This week has kind of been a blur and I'm not quite sure what happened to be honest. Christmas time is weird in Hawaii. In fact, I feel like time just doesn't pass because the weather doesn't change. I was thinking about that the other day.....I think it's a bad thing if I feel like I'm in the movie "Groundhog Day" and every new day feels like a continuation of the previous. Bright sunny weather every day will do that to you. It's been cold this past week though (70 degrees) and I've been wearing my jacket :)
We had a lot of downs last week, so I'm looking forward to a lot of ups this coming week. Does it work that way?! We've been having some problems with the sisters....I thought that I had escaped from all the drama when I left Laie. I was asked to go on an emergency exchange this week with a sister that wants to go home. It was an interesting experience and we had a good series of conversations about things. This transfer I am really focusing in the Christ-like attribute of Humility (I know, its about time right?) and developing that characteristic. The more I study, the more I realize that how destructive the opposite of humility, pride, can be. Pride gets in the way of all that is good. When we have pride, we can't have the spirit and we forget to remember the eternal perspective in the decisions we make. Pride is the catalyst of sin. Our pride blinds us and always keeps us from finding joy and peace.
As I've reflected on that this week, I've been so grateful to recognize the pride that I have and to pray for help to overcome it....to be more humble. Pres. Uchtdorf said that "Humility is not thinking less of yourself, it's thinking less about yourself." If we all did that, think how happy we all would be! It definitely solves a lot of problems and challenges while serving a mission if you're trying to be humble :)
I'm so grateful that I was prepared and capable to serve a full-time mission and that I've made the choice to enjoy my missionary service. Wow it makes a big difference!! I know that the Lord blesses us as we serve Him, in whatever small way we can. This week (and hopefully always), let's all think less about ourselves and focus more on the needs of those around us!
Love you so much!
Sister Stringer
