I'll admit, I wasn't a huge fan of getting new missioanries after the two we had, but from what I'm seeing things are a bit unfiar towards the new ones.
I feel like these two missionaries are being shut out and avoided because they're not who we had. I see it in my husband who has said he doesn't like how they are late, how they can be arrogant, he doesn't feel the spirit as much, he doesn't feel a connection etc... I've had other people tell me that they don't want them in thier house!
I really feel that this is wrong. I'm not perfect, I was not going out of my way for these two missionaires previously either, and I need to change that. I used to tellt hem to call my husband because I didn't want to deal with the feelings I'd get when I went home and told him that they were coming over. That was wrong of me, very wrong. And I am sorry I behanved that way.
These two missionaries have given up 2 years of their life to come to a different country to teach the Gospel of Christ. What other reason should anyone need to have them over? What other reason should anyone need to be kind to them? They shouldn't need any other reason. Purely because they are human beings we should be kind to them.
Missionaries come and go, some leave an impact on you, others you leave an impact on them, all are on a learning journey just like the rest of us. No missionary is perfect, just like no one else is perfect. In reality they are 19 - 21 (approx) and the maturity level of most men that age is pretty small. So for them to make the choice to serve is a huge step in thier maturity and we should give them that respect.
I tried to discuss this with my man tonight and I feel like it was water off a ducks back. Then it came up again when we had company over and again... did not register, the video game Call of Duty was more important.
After today's humbling/apiphany I will be trying to have the missioanries over once a week at least. It is not right how they have been treated by myself and some people I know. I just hope there is enough time to right this wrong.
Just thinking about it, this could be a test for us, to ensure we weren't riding along on the previous elders' testimonies... hmmm...
I'm so glad you have come to this realisation, its sad that the missionaries are being shunned within the ward. Hopefully as you get to know them better C will be able to connect with them.
ReplyDeleteWhen we started having the missionaries around we invited them and then they got transferred the next day so we had a couple of guys we didn't know at all show up for dinner, was a bit unexpected but they were great and now we have had a few come and go but once we took the time to get to know each of them they have each taken a little spot in our family. I mean all us siblings are different and some like to be on time others not so but we still get along alright :)
Haha, yeah when they came over last night they needed clarification on the relations between the families... haha, the Tugg Elders were like "They are a Tugg family, get off our turf!" haha
ReplyDeleteL seemed excited to have them over too :)
I hoping that the attitude change isn't a thing I do alone :)