It is not difficult to teach the Gospel every day, it is difficult to not teach the Gospel every day. This was one of the biggest changes I wasn't fully ready for when I was released. Now I know I can (and do) share the Gospel with others at every opportunity, but there is something missing when you aren't in a home, teaching God's plan for our happiness and success. It leaves a hole, one which I was slightly unprepared for.
Thankfully, the branch (a small local congregation) I attend has a wonderful set of missionaries. They invited me to accompany them on a couple of visits this morning.
A note to recently returned missionaries: this is one of the best ways to ease back into day-to-day life while continuing to spread the word of God and feel His spirit.
I was a little surprised by the differences I felt as an accompanying member compared to when I was a full-time missionary. But the similarities were comforting.
First, the differences. I quickly discovered that the feeling (from my perspective) was quite different. Let me explain - as a missionary lessons could be related to like flying: the Holy Spirit is the Navigator, and you and your companion are equal copilots. Now that you are home and released, I would describe you as a "participating passenger."
When it comes down to it, your part - while being essential, irreplaceable and absolutely necessary for someone to grow in the Gospel (perhaps more on this facet of missionary work in another post) - is no longer a leadership role, at least not when it comes down to teaching.
Now for the similarities. All the same teaching skills that you learned on your mission still apply. You will still be able to (and need to) relate to those you are visiting. You will still be able to use things you learned that morning in your personal study of the scriptures. Most importantly, you will still be able to feel the spirit as you testify of how the Gospel of Jesus Christ has impacted your own life.
Is it worth it, differences and all? Without question.
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