Monday, June 26, 2017

Weekly Update~ "Wo Unto Those Who Ease in Zion"

Dear Family and Friends,

This weekend, I was pondering about what progression means to me. On a mission conference call yesterday evening, an elder shared a thought that put my thoughts into words precisely. When you think of progression, the concept of acceleration also comes to mind. One of the synonyms to the word acceleration is advancement. The gospel of Jesus Christ requires progression from his disciples. It is how we become like our Father in Heaven which is one of the purposes of the plan of salvation. Progression is necessary to becoming a successful missionary, but, obviously progression is something that continues even after being a full-time missionary. As I've observed other missionaries before me go home, a lot of them develop a "All is well in Zion" mindset and become idle and let the time pass meaninglessly by. The way I see it, if we put into context with cars, it's almost as if they're stalling before the "finish line" when in reality, the "finish line" is just another mile marker on a bigger road trip. I want to be the missionary to accelerate at the end so I can keep the habits and skills I've developed as a missionary that will bless me for the rest of my life. 


Every transfer, I put a quote in my planner to remind me of my purpose. The quote this transfer was from Elder Gary B Sabin: "If we are not able to be “all in” the way we are presently walking, then maybe we need to run; maybe we need to recalculate our route. We might even need to make a U-turn. We might need to study more intently, pray more earnestly, or just let some things go so we can hang on to those things that really matter. We may need to let go of the world so we can hang on to eternity." 


My Mission has been the experience of a lifetime. The way I am going to accelerate at the end is simple. I am going to do what I've been called to do for two years until, President Carpenter tells me it's time to take off my name tag. I'm going to study every day for one hour. I'm going to take reports from our district leaders. I'm going to use time wisely. I'm going to increase people's faith in Jesus Christ. I love you all, and I'll see you soon!

Love, 
Elder Hazen

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