Recently I’ve felt overwhelmed…

…in my calling as ward mission leader. In particular, from wanting to involve our ward missionaries… helping them all feel needed, wanted, and involved. We have quite a few! When I discussed this with a friend, he shared a helpful story about Nephi and his brothers… when Laman and Lemuel said the Lord didn’t give them answers, Nephi responded:

“If ye will not harden your hearts, and ask me in faith, believing that ye shall receive, with diligence in keeping my commandments, surely these things shall be made known unto you.” (1 Nephi 15:11)

Nephi could have answered their questions for them, but in the end it was their responsibility to seek answers from the Lord.

I don’t have to take ownership for other people’s success.

Ultimately we all have the responsibility for our own success.  And I’m okay with allowing others their agency to choose. My comparison to Laman and Lemues doesn’t extend beyond this idea, but my friend pointed out that if those I’m working with want to fulfill their callings, they’ll make it happen. They’ll seek guidance from Heavenly Father :) I can and want to provide them with specific opportunities, but also allow them their agency and autonomy in figuring it out :)

This reminds me of another great quote I recently read:

“People are generally better persuaded by the reasons which they have themselves discovered than by those which have come into the mind of others.” *Blaise Pascal)

My HWN from the last few days some relief in redefining my responsibilities :)

Also, here’s a nice shot I got of the City Center temple from the second floor of Sub-Zero across the street :)