Week Four: “One More Dawn, One More Day”

My Dear Friends,

This week feels like those last 100 meters in my Cross Country races, which of course is ironic, because it is more like the last 100 meters of my warm up. The fun part starts next week, when I leave the Missionary Training Center in São Paulo and make it to my mission in Teresina Brazil.

So this week has been just more preparation and practice. Practicing Portuguese, practicing teaching, and practicing living the life that I will be preaching, and doing so at an undiscovered magnitude. And here lies what has been on my mind this week, the goal to truly try to live the way Our Savior did during His Earthly Ministry, and the way He continues to live. Specifically, showing forth an abundance of charity and love unfeighed.

Now, I have been known to be hard on myself, so take this with a grain of salt. But it seems the only result of my study of and thinking about showing charity, was an increased kick of guilt at the close of an uncharitable interaction. And as important as increased awareness is to growth, charity and love is the hallmark of every disciple of Christ, for it is arguably THE virtue attributed to Christ. It is simply something we, as missionaries, as followers of Christ must have. What is to be done when we feel that we lack this characteristic?

For any who feels they suffer from similar short-comings, I share the following:

-We are all children of a loving Heavenly Father, love is in our spiritual DNA. Charity is a part of everyone's divine potential

-As with all progression, the process is an effort today, followed by a greater effort tomorrow, and an even greater effort the next day, for a series of days. Those honestly seeking to be better and be more like Christ are His Disciples. The journey to Christ is the adventure of a lifetime.

-Satan seeks to discourage. To convince us that change is not possible. Pray for a clear, undistorted vision of your progress, because sincere, righteous efforts will be magnified by the Lord.

Improvement is possible through Christ, and our effort is desired, magnified, and rewarded, but never forced. I hope, urge, and pray that this week your goals may be remembered, and that you (and I) may end our days having truly given our all.

Te Amo,

Elder Pinkney