April 29, 2013

Dear family,

I hope all is going well for everybody back in the States. It's still going well here. Mom said that she prayed for nice weather for me but i think it backfired because it snowed here this week. But it's all good. We went to Lyon this week for zone conference and it was really great. I love zone conferences. President and Sister Roney always have great things to say. This time they talked about improving ourselves and acquiring Christ like attributes. It was really uplifting and i've been working on this in my studies this past week.

So this past week has been filled with fallen through appointments, cancelled baptisms, and difficulties in the work, but i know that we just gotta keep working hard and plow through times like these. That's just missionary life. One thing that i've seen alot on my mission is the importance of keeping a positive attitude during hard times and trials. Life isn't easy but when we are given every reason to be discouraged and frustrated it is important to keep a positive out look. We can always find reasons to be happy, and we can always be assured that there will be better things to come. Because God loves us, He will always bless us with the things that we need, including moments of happiness in times of trials. We can always find reasons to smile, if we just look for the little things and live in thanksgiving daily.

Men are that they might have joy. The reason that we are here on earth is to be happy. The other day me and elder Jackson contacted a man on the streets. We asked him what gives him happiness in life. He just looked at us and said, "nothing". We testified to him that we have many reasons to be happy in this life and that through the gospel of Jesus Christ we can find true happiness. We have a Father in heaven who loves us and has provided us with a plan called the plan of happiness.

The sad truth is that many of our brothers and sisters here on earth don't have the same knowledge that we do, and when asked what gives them happiness they give us the sad reply of nothing. Don't take for granted how lucky you are to have the comforting knowledge that you have a loving Heavenly Father who has provided you with a plan of happiness. Don't forget why we are here. Look for those moments of joy. They are always there. Recognize and cherish these moments. Don't get so caught up in the difficulties of life that you neglect your purpose in life. Smile everyday, be happy, look for moments of joy, and do everything that you can to spread that joy to everyone you meet.

If asked the question what gives me happiness in life, I would be able to say with certainty, "My family, friends, the gospel of Jesus Christ, and sharing this great message with everyone." I love you all.

Elder Swenson