Unstring the Bow

Colville, Washington, Oct 2015

Missionary life is intense! In a typical week, President Dymock and I teach, train, interview, bear testimony, host dinners, counsel, comfort, love, and feed our young servants of God. We travel throughout the mission - from Montana, British Columbia (Canada), and Washington to the panhandle of Idaho. Right now, we're gearing up for transfers - where new missionaries arrive, others finish and return home, and lots of them move to new areas. With this constantly fluctuating schedule, I'll be honest...I get tired! But it's a good tired! It is a most rewarding work which motivates and inspires me. I fall into bed at night so grateful that I am serving a mission for my Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. This is a marvelous work, and that makes being tired all worth it!

our neighborhood in autumn

A few days ago, I did an early-morning hike with a friend, and we reveled in the stunning beauty of autumn in the northwest. As we headed up a steep incline, my heart rate soared, and my lungs screamed for the fresh morning air. Our typically animated conversation slowed down as the demands of the mountain required our focus. But when we finally reached a small plateau, l looked back to see how far we had just come. Believe me...I was invigorated!

Our Elders keep us entertained!

In that moment, I realized how important it is to occasionally take a step back from the intensity of life to gain perspective. The Prophet Joseph Smith had his share of demands and pressures leading a very young church. In the midst of tremendous persecution and opposition, he had a great way to deal with the stress. He would "unstring the bow." He had a jovial, pleasant personality and loved having a good time. He liked to wrestle, pull sticks, swim, hunt and play baseball. Some asked if that was beneath the dignity of a Prophet. He wisely responded that a bow, if left strung tightly for too long, would lose its elasticity and eventually its effectiveness.(1) Much like the bow, taking a break on occasion can help us rejuvenate, refuel and refresh for life's battle.
Our young missionaries literally fill me with renewed energy and enthusiasm for the work ahead. When

Our Sister Training Leaders!

they appear on our doorstep, or I see them at a church or leadership training meeting, I am literally invigorated and refreshed. Their youthful zest for life helps me "unstring the bow" just by being around them. 

Sometimes unstringing the bow happens serendipitously, and in tiny moments. Take, for instance, a few nights ago. As President Dymock and I pulled onto our quiet street after a long, busy day with the missionaries, our forested neighborhood looked almost enchanted. Tall evergreens towered heavenward, punctuated by the brilliant reds and electric yellows of the autumn trees. Early dusk was upon us, so I

quickly captured a few pictures before dark set in. My mother had taught me in early years to always keep an open eye for nature's simple beauties. She still has a great appreciation for the spray of a waterfall, the crash of ocean waves against a jagged shoreline, and the stunning kaleidoscope of autumn's colors. So in this three year date with my sweetheart with all these young (and a few not-so-young)* missionaries on board, I snatch a break on occasion to appreciate life for all its wonder and joy.

Now lest you think I just walk around looking at nature all day... here's what these moments do for me. They connect me with God and help me see life's challenges from His perspective. I came back from my recent hike remembering that God is at the helm. Everything WILL work out. In the midst of opposition and challenges, this is a time for all of us to increase our TRUST in our Heavenly Father. The book of Psalms reminds us to "be still and know that I am God." (Psalms 46:10, Bible). We do not know the meaning of all things; nor are we meant to see how every little piece fits into His design for us. In moments when I "unstring the bow", it reminds me to "Believe in God; believe that he is, and that he created all things, both in

I snapped this photo Oct 2015 on
Lake Couer D'Alene, Idaho

 heaven and in earth; believe that he has all wisdom, and all power, both in heaven and in earth; believe that man doth not comprehend all the things which the Lord can comprehend" (Mosiah 4:9, Book of Mormon).  Let us be patient with ourselves and others, and TRUST that His plan is so much more sweeping and grand than we can even begin to imagine. It will all work out. ‪#‎Iknowitwithallmyheart‬

Now, go unstring your bow for a moment.You'll be glad you did!

*We are fortunate to have "senior" missionary couples, church service missionaries, and employment center missionaries  who serve in many areas of our mission.

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(1) https://www.lds.org/ensign/1979/09/joseph-smith-and-nauvoos-youth?lang=eng#footnote5-03113_000_007

Photo Credits: 
Thanks to http://www.picturequotes.com for helping me match some favorite quotes with  nature shots.