Lose Yourself

This week went by fast. I had an exchange with Elder Mitchell, which has led me to be pretty introspective all week. He and I came out together, and I've always had tons of respect for him. He is a different breed of missionary. I've never met anyone like him-- he is an excellent example of "True doctrine, understood, changes attitudes and behavior." I feel like my attitude has changed but not always my behavior. I still have reservations about just losing myself in the work. I've tried my whole mission to balance the mantle I have and the human I am. I'm not sure what the right approach is-- to find a balance or to give up everything that keeps you from the other. 

Luke 9:24-25

24 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it. 

25 For what is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world, and lose himself, or be cast away?

The Joseph Smith Translation of the Bible adds some interesting commentary:

24 For whosoever will save his life, must be willing to lose it for my sake; and whosoever will be willing to lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it.

25 For what doth it profit a man if he gain the whole world, and yet he receive him not whom God hath ordained, and he lose his own soul, and he himself be a castaway?

Hence the introspection. Am I willing to lose my life? I feel like that sometimes. But most of the time, there's still a barrier; uncertainty, doubt, I'm not sure what to call it. I've been really focusing on trying to figure out what my offering is supposed to be to the Lord. I don't think it's a cookie cutter thing. I would assume the rich diversity of mankind would require distinct offerings. Elder Mitchell said, "God makes our weaknesses into strengths, mankind has the tendency to make strengths into weaknesses." I think that's true. I know I'm guilty of that. I've often heard the concept that whatever we want, doing God's will will be better, because he can make so much more of us than we can. If I really believed that, my actions would be different. I'm sure of it. So I'm going to experiment upon the word. I like to give God a shot to work miracles in my life;). I love you guys. Do what will bring you happiness this week.

-Elder Dahl