Happiness . . .deserved or earned? Week 65 on mission.

Greeting from the motherland of Africa to all!!!!

Yes, there is a point in time when you reflect how long you have been on mission and realize that you are old on mission and your time is running out. I think I have had this experience this last week. I cannot believe that I have been in Ghana for 15 months now. It just seems surreal.

This week was pretty good. My companion and I actually talked to each other and had real discussions about life and the missionary work... which is unusual for my companion to talk. So that was a big improvement. Also we found some pretty cool new people to teach but one of the biggest problems in a village is that people travel into town or the bush during the day to work and then they return late at night to eat and then sleep. So it is hard for them to fit God into their lives as they say. But when we do meet with them, the spirit is strong and they do realize the difference when we are present and when we are not.

Yesterday during Elder Quorum Class, we were studying from the life and teachings of the Prophet Ezra Taft Benson. We studied a chapter about "Living Joyfully in Troubled Times.'" We will all have disappointments and discouragements—that is part of life, but if we will have faith, our setbacks will be but a moment and success will come out of our seeming failures. Satan will always try us but the test is to see what we do in those times of trial. They scriptures say “He that remaineth steadfast and is not overcome, the same shall be saved.”

One thing that really touched me out of the teaching is as follows:
"We have no cause to really worry. Live the gospel, keep the commandments. Attend to your prayers night and morning in your home. Maintain the standards of the Church. Try and live calmly and cheerfully. … Happiness must be earned from day to day. But it is worth the effort."

It is so true. If we are obedient to God... what is there to fear? Some may think that happiness is what they deserve but in fact it is to be earned from day to day and it depends wholly upon us. But the feeling of that inner peace is well worth it.  I encourage all of you to find this peace and happiness. You might have to go out of your comfort zone to find it but it is well worth it.I love you all and will chat with you next week. May god bless you and look over you from day to day.

~ Elder Cornelius ~