Yesterday Jon and I got to drive up to Pocatello, ID and back for my cousin, Sean's, mission homecoming talk. Wow! Not only was it nice to get a break from Provo, it was awesome to see family that we haven't seen in a long time.
Sean's talk itself was definitely the highlight. I haven't heard the Spirit during a talk that strong in such a long time. After hearing him speak, no doubt remained in my mind about where Sean's testimony is: it is so strong and he is so faithful. On top of this all, he is quite possibly the best example of unconditional love out of anyone I've ever met ever, and this isn't just one of those broad generalized statements that we sometimes throw out without really meaning them. I really mean that Sean probably has more unconditional love than anyone I've ever met before.
Several years ago I was starting my second year of college and I randomly got a call from him! Sean--who I hadn't heard from or seen since I was in kindergarten! He was just calling to say that he hoped I'd had a good first day and to say hi. Since then, he has continued to surprised me time and again by remembering me and loving me for no other reason than the fact that I'm family! Even without all these wonderful phone calls and visits, after one minute in his company I can't help but just feel so loved. What an amazing example he is of how we should treat those around us, especially our families.
There were two parts of his talk that really stood out to me. Both were things he'd heard on his mission and wanted to share with us. The first was this: "Trials are mandatory; misery is optional." So true, right? Regardless of circumstances, happiness is always within our reach. Attitude is everything.
The other thing he shared was something that his mission president had taught him. It was that there are three ways to keeping the commandments. The first is that you keep them out of fear of what will happen if you don't. The second is that you keep them like a robot--just because you're supposed to. The last way is that you keep them because you love Jesus Christ. Obviously, this is the most noble and happy way to live them.
Seeing the joy that the gospel has given Sean has inspired me to want to live the gospel more fully. I can tell that Sean receives his joy by serving God and those around him at all times. I know that such a life style is the best way to find happiness because of the times I've tried to live that way myself. I want to make today and right now and tomorrow and every day those type of times as well.
Family is where it's all at. Family and the gospel. And serving others. I can't think of three things more important in the whole wide world. Thanks, Sean, for reminding me of this.
The drive home from Pocatello was also pretty awesome. Jon was excited that we drove through Preston, ID--where Napoleon Dynamite was filmed. We also stopped at the Logan Temple, where my parents and Grandparent Sorensens got married. Overall, a topnotch day.
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