Patience is a Virtue

(To the tune of "Grandma Got Run Over By A Reindeer")

We just got rejected on the doorstep,

Tracting house to house on Christmas Eve.

He can say there's no such thing as Jesus,

But me and my companion, we believe.

We had planned to teach a lesson,

But our member didn't show.

The investigator called us,

And said "for the final time, the answer's no!"

Well, our hands are nearly frozen,

And there's snow in my right sock,

But we've got to preach the gospel,

So let's go to the next door and try a knock.

We just got rejected on the doorstep,

Tracting house to house on Christmas Eve.

He can say there's no such thing as Jesus,

But me and my companion, we believe.

This Saturday is our ward Christmas party, and yesterday we were "volunteered" to sing "Grandma Got Ran Over by a Reindeer" during the talent portion of the party. Well, that song isn't as missionary-esque as we would like, so I'm in the process of rewriting it. It isn't finished because I couldn't start until last night, but I'll send the full lyrics once it is done (and possibly the video if it is filmed).

This week, I'd like to briefly touch on the Christlike attribute known as Patience. I've learned a lot about patience this week as I've tried to study it out of Preach My Gospel.

There is a major difference between patience and complacency: To be complacent is to be apathetic, to not care. If something is bothering you, you can choose to be apathetic and accept the situation, not caring enough to try to change it. However, patience is hopeful endurance. Christlike patience is laced with Charity and Diligence. To be patient is still to care, work persistently, to do all that you can, but to avoid frustration, disappointment, and stress with a less-than favourable result. To be patient with cold weather does not mean giving up and staying inside; rather, it is to bundle up and endure.

When it comes to oneself, one can choose to be apathetic to faults and weaknesses, accepting mediocrity, or one can desire improvement and progression while being patient with setbacks and imperfections.

"And now it came to pass that the burdens which were laid upon Alma and his brethren were made light; yea, the Lord did strengthen them that they could bear up their burdens with ease, and they did submit cheerfully and with patience to all the will of the Lord."

(Mosiah 24:15)

-Elder Reynolds