Trimming Hedges -- April 27, 2014

April 27, 2014

Happy Sunday!

This week has been so so so fast! I can't even believe it's Pday! It blows my mind. But I love this work! I love being a missionary. I'm a tired missionary, but a super happy one!

This week there was a "national service day," So we got up super early and went. It was really really great! I think I loved it so much because I got handed some hedge trimmers. The park we cleaned is mostly hedges... so.. there was a lot of work to do. Interestingly enough, I learned a ton from the experience! That was the first time I've ever trimmed hedges in my life. I think in America that there are so many people at service projects (and so many priesthood) that handling the sharp objects and power tools is never my job. haha But I spent a good hour straight trimming one long row of hedges. After about a half hour it was no longer just a service project, it was a war. I couldn't just stop half way, as exhausted I was, and as Jell-O like my arms were feeling, I couldn't stop. Some members were like yelling at me a little saying, "Just take a break sister Bingham! You are working too much! Just rest!" But it's like I didn't hear them. I just flashed a smile and a nod in their general direction and just kept going. When I was finally done with the long row, and when it was a perfect rectangle, I finally threw down the scissors in victory. I was dripping in sweat. My hair was stuck to my head, and my skin was red (I only know because many people asked why I was red). 

I learned a couple lessons. 1. There is ALWAYS satisfaction from hard work. Always. I will never regret that, even though I think I got carpel tunnel, as ridiculous as that is. haha 

2. God loves us so much. As I was trimming away like a crazy person, some thoughts crossed my mind. I was thinking how this life is like cutting hedges. Before, the hedges were ok, I mean, it was classier than having no hedges at all, but they were wild. They looked sloppy, and I guess they could have been described as "hipster", I saw such a greater potential for them. I worked so hard to make them perfect. 

I know that that is how our Father in Heaven feels about us. He is working hard to make us perfect, and to cut away our sins/ disobedience so that we can become truly beautiful. As I was walking down the aisle of hedges I finished cutting, I felt like I was in a fairy garden. I know, that sounds so stupid. But it's true. 

I know that even though we aren't perfect, our God is not an angry God. He gets true happiness and joy helping us become perfect.

Just now, I finished talking to a man from France who was sitting next to me. He said something like, "You seem really happy. I am happy, but I'm not happy like you. I want to be happy like you are, Sister Bingham." 

As we talked about the Gospel, he asked me if I ever got tired of sharing the same message day after day for over a year now. I told him that I never got tired of it. I told him that I am so happy to share this message so that as many people as possible can know the truth and be happy. He doesn't live in our area, but I just feel like he will love the Gospel. He said he wants to know about his "Afterlife insurance," and boy will he get it! Haha 

This week was great! We might have a baptism next week! Long story. But I really love Catarman! We were walking down the street the other day, and I just got this overwhelming feeling that I was teaching everyone I am supposed to be teaching at this time. These people are changing me so much. I love them! 

I want to share something I read in my personal study from 2 Nephi 26. I love this chapter. I love these verses:  23 For behold, my beloved brethren, I say unto you that the Lord God worketh not in darkness. 24 He doeth not anything save it be for the benefit of the world; for he loveth the world, even that he layeth down his own life that he may draw all men unto him. Wherefore, he commandeth none that they shall not partake of his salvation. 25 Behold, doth he cry unto any, saying; Depart from me? Behold, I say unto you, Nay; but he saith: Come unto me all ye ends of the earth, buy miold and honey, without money and without price  28 Behold, hath the Lord commanded any that they should not partake of his goodness? Behold I say unto you, Nay; but all men are pribileged the one like unto the other, and none are forbidden.

I love this. None are forbidden. I love God. I love that he Loves all His children. No matter what. I know that this is true, and I know that whatever problems or challenges any of you might be facing now, is for your good. It will help you come closer to Him who made you, Him who wants you back.

In the sacred name of Jesus Christ,  Amen.

Love,

Sister Bingham