Parting Is Such Sweet Sorrow

In order to help me feel better...I'll share a comparison to what it was like to send a missionary into the field from our early church history, compared to how it is today. There can be no denying that hearts ached and were as tender as mine is right now!! Im sure this happens whenever a loved ones steps out into the world and into the unknown. But...the hardships dont seem to compare---thank heavens!!

The first missionary ever, in Church history, was Samuel Smith, brother to Joseph Smith, founder of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. His mother, Lucy Mack Smith, tells what happens:

"On the 13th of June, (1830) Samuel started on a mission to which he had been set apart by Joseph, and in traveling twenty-five miles, which was his first day's journey, he stopped at a number of places in order to sell his books. (Book of Mormon), but was turned out-of-doors as soon as he declared his principles. When evening came on, he was faint and almost discouraged, but coming to an inn which was surrounded with every appearance of plenty, he called to see if the landlord would buy one of his books. On going in, Samuel inquired of him, if he did not wish to purchase a history of the origin of the Indians. "I do not know,' replied the host; 'how did you get hold of it?"
"It was translated,"said Samuel, "by my brother, from some gold plates that he found buried in the earth."
"You liar!" cried the landlord, "get out of my house-you shan't stay one minute with your books." And the young elder was thrown out onto the street.
"Samuel was sick at heart, for this was the fifth time he had been turned out of doors that day. He then proceeded five miles further on his journey, and seeing an apple tree a short distance from the road, he concluded to pass the night under it; and there he lay all night upon the cold, damp ground.
At the conclusion of his difficult missionary trip, Samuel returned home with all of his books except two. He gave one to a kindly poor widow who fed him. The other he gave to a new acquaintance, John P. Green. And with that, he headed home.

FROM SMALL THINGS....

Mr Green was a Methodist minister and brother-in-law to Brigham Young. After reading the book, Green gained a testimony of its truthfulness.
Green was so excited that he ran the book to his other brother-in-law, Phineas H. Young, who read the volume and gained a testimony.He in turn gave it to his brother Brigham who also devoured the book, gained a testimony and with the others, he sought baptism. This very book also helped convert Heber C. Kimball. Within the year, the Greens, the Kimballs, and the Youngs, with their families,were all baptized into the Church. And from these families came prophets, missionaries and leaders whose impact on the history of the Church is widely known and felt to this very day.

AND SO WENT the modern Church's very first missionary effort in the form of a doggedly determined, temporarily discouraged, but always faithful and obedient young man named Samuel Smith. He was true to the faith.

(thanks again Paul B. Skousen for the reference)

Clark may or may not be sleeping under apple trees. (though avocado trees might be more likely) He is in for great adventures to be sure. Undoubtedly he will find hardships in the huge changes before him. No more computers, or Guitar Hero or boating on the lakes. No sleeping in or having his fridge fully stocked with milk and cereal or pot pies and pizza. He'll learn obedience and sacrifice for sure!! He'll be working hard, not in his school books, but pounding on the pavement and on doors. He'll develop courage and confidence. He's going out today as a fine young man. He'll return in 2 years refined and strong and much wiser in the things of real importance.

By the way.....Is a sacrifice a sacrifice if I claim it as one? I wonder. Does it become something else if I sometimes bellyache about how much I miss them? In Sunday School the other day I heard it said that maybe we can possibly compare a mothers sacrifice in "giving up a son (or daughter)or BOTH" for 2 years, to that of Hannah when she turned her son Samuel over to the Temple, to serve there. I also heard it compared to the paying of tithing; giving up a small portion of enjoying our kids lives, to have them serve their Heavenly Father. I like these images. They make me feel better as I sob through the program presented at the Missionary Training Center, and part with our young'in. I've done this 4 times now, and Im sorry to report that it doesnt get any easier. Though I can honestly say that I wouldnt want them to do anything else on the planet other than this one thing at this time in their lives. Never-the-less...parting is such sweet sorrow!!