I stood on a slight hill in front of a small crowd of 15 people, thunderstorm on the horizon setting the perfect scene for the immanent Guinea Pig funeral for Oreo. Although only one year old, Oreo apparently had a huge impact on her neighborhood. After reading a few verses from chapter 12 of the book of Job in the Bible and a brief description of things I learned from holding Oreo, we commenced the burial in her little card board box coffin. I said a prayer of comfort afterwards and promised of her happiness in the spirit world.
The life of Elder Burgess.
With an open heart and willingness to live, I'm not sure anything can stand in the way of out pursuits of happiness :) Another transfer has come and gone here in Urbana. Elder Wilson and I will continue to kick it running with the ever growing humidity beckoning us to sweat puddles. mmm deodorant is a life saver! And it's not even June yet. lol.
We've hit our stride with service and love in the ward this week. Mulch on mulch on mulch, move on move on move, we've helped the Southern Frederick towns with any kind of service you could think of. We basically ran the Spring Ridge Elementary Spring Fling's food concessions. Elder Wilson hit up the cotton candy machine for 4 hours while I sold everything to literally the entire town. We didn't take any money of course, but the fulfillment that's come from helping strangers in all ways, shapes, and forms opens up the gate for spiritual fulfillment. I've found charity only touches hearts if the heart giving holds nothing back. We can't expect to feel peace and joy in God's love if we don't dump our own souls into the service of another's well, quite often dried up from the onslaught of their own experiences. The gift of giving only flows from an empty reservoir. <3
Remember Elder Hinkle from back in January? He's the first of my companions to leave back home in two days. It seems like just yesterday we were teaching Bruce and Nicole, traversing through feet of snow only to slip down drive ways of angry Annapolis pastors. Seeing him pack up and leave in such a short time has put me into perspective of how short not only a mission is, but life in general. And Oreo too. Kind of. Two years drips away unnoticed as I tap into each day's spiritual root. Time is easily measured. What matters are the immeasurable memories held together through friendship :)
keep a journal yo
xoxo
Elder Burgess
No comments:
Post a Comment