Article Sample: Finding Meaning in my Mission
I put my heart, might, mind, and strength into my missionary service. So why did it feel like I failed?
Even when I told myself that baptisms weren't a measurement of self-confidence, my anxieties swirled inside me like smoke in a dark cave. But just as Nephi turned to the Lord in his doubts, I learned that Heavenly Father would answer any question I asked him.
Check out three ways to really measure your mission's success!
Was My Mission a Success? [ARTICLE SAMPLE]
Tagline: For years I struggled knowing if God was happy with my service. Then I learned how to ask the right questions.
During my service as a missionary, my highest priority was serving God and preaching the gospel to His children. I knew my purpose and I wasn't afraid of discouragement or hardship. Throughout all the difficulties on my mission, I always put my very best efforts into my work.
So why did I feel like I failed?
At the beginning of my mission, I quickly learned not to rely on baptisms or lessons taught as a measure of success. But even with this mindset, negative emotions swirled inside me like smoke in a dark cave. Sometimes these doubts and anxieties were so thick that I couldn't see through them, and I felt doomed to forever search for self-confidence without getting it.
Right now, I've been back home for longer than I was out. My return was nothing short of tumultuous as I adjusted to a new life, wondering if the life I left behind had been well spent. But just as Nephi turned to the Lord in his doubts (see 1 Nephi 2:16-17), I learned that Heavenly Father would answer any question I asked him.
Here are three principles I learned about seeing the success of my mission:
1) Ask Heavenly Father what His expectations are. Don't try to strive for an imaginary, "perfect" version of yourself that never eats, sleeps, or dozes off during personal study (though I wouldn't recommend making a habit of this). I learned this lesson about a year into my mission when I was feeling like I couldn't do anything right.
This principle came as a very strong prompting to pray and set goals with the Lord in mind. The Lord will help us work through realistic goals if we seek His help (see Ether 2-3). This also reminds you how deep the Lord's love for us is. He won't let us down, even if it feels like we let ourselves down.
2) Remember the people you impacted. I didn't baptize anyone on my mission, but I came in contact with many people who changed my life. I met some amazing friends on my mission: investigators, less-active members, active members, and missionaries.
When I look back I realize how important it was to be there for them. Some of my friends would have had a much harder time without me. Knowing that has altered how I define missionary success. We serve missions to bring others unto Christ. Ask the Lord to remind you of times when you did that, even if it may not have been recorded in your daily indicators.
3) Look at who you've become. You are the end result of all your hard work. Find ways to work hard and serve others as you did on your mission. Remember to pray with sincerity and gratitude for everything He has given you. Forgive others and allow them to forgive you. Repent as needed, constantly relying on the Lord. I sincerely believe I was the best convert from my mission.
You may have had hard times on your mission, but ask the Lord to guide your feelings in the right direction. He will remind you of things you did well. The Holy Ghost will testify to you of who you really are. As you seek Heavenly Father's blessings, you will realize all the good you did during your service to Him and His children.
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