Mom and Dad,
As a mission, for the next two weeks from last Friday, we are focusing on
Jesus Christ. As all mission focuses have been, it has been a catalyst for
repentance for me - but perhaps this one does so for a more significant topic
and in a more personal way than have any others. Yesterday, I had the thought
to bring the document Kaicho made for us to base our study off of with me to
Sacrament Meeting and to take a look at it during the administration of the
Sacrament. I took a look over it and as I pondered Christ's role as my Savior
and what I think of him and how I had done the last week, especially since
Friday, in being His disciple, a stream of questions began to float across my
mind. Since Friday my focus has been more on Christ than it has been before. I
thought, "Why has it taken this mission focus to get me to focus this much on
Jesus Christ? Shouldn't I have already made/be making efforts to always
remember and be like Him? What does that indicate about my true understanding
and belief in Him until this point? Who do I really believe He is? Have I
really truly been trusting Him and His promises?" Partaking the sacrament
yesterday was very meaningful for me, and an a great spiritual experience.
There has certainly been a difference in me, in my dendo as my focus has
been on Jesus Christ. I'm more cheerful, I feel greater trust in the Spirit, I
feel greater faith and confidence that everything will be all right. It's built
my faith that His ways are truly higher than ours. When I just trust Him and do
what He says, everything else is all right. When my thoughts stay on Him, then
impressions and revelations, and feeling increased love for investigators and
dendo comes much more naturally.
Wicked sweet to hear about the mission calls! Tell everybody
congratulations for me! The weather today is beautiful here. Not a cloud in
the sky, and while temperatures are still chilly, the sunshine feels warm. It's
mind blowing to think that we're entering March this Saturday. If I remember
right, around March 12 was the day that I arrived in Japan last year. I've
almost been in Japan for 1 year now. Whoa.
Still haven't received the package. Got a note in the post hole saying
that the post office has got it and that they will deliver it, but I still
haven't gotten it! I'm going to see what I can do about it today.
Love,
Elder Kyle Hutchings
PS. Thanks so much for the pictures. It's crazy how much Miriam is
growing, eh?
