As my wife and I began a mission together, we were given a responsibility that was really outside of our comfort zone. It had been our dream to serve together and now we were struggling together and, unfortunately, we started quibbling about how to accomplish our assignment. We were even given an opportunity to switch assignments. Then Elder Michael T. Ringwood of the Presidency of the Seventy gave a devotional where he reminded that all missionaries are called by inspiration from the Lord through one of his apostles to their particular assignment. We committed to persevere in our particular assignment. Our mission president said it would be a stretching experience and it was. And the Lord blessed us to figure it out and move forward.
How often does the Lord, who loves us, take us out of our comfort zone to help us learn and grow and progress and become refined? We might not need to cross the Red Sea on dry ground. But we can learn to listen when the Lord will “tell [us] in [our] mind and in [our] heart, by the Holy Ghost”1 the things that we should do.
Adjusting to Missionary Life offers several suggestions to help missionaries (and us) serve outside their comfort zone:
- Identify and use your strengths. Some people find talking with people energizing; others find it tiring. Both types of people can be effective missionaries. If you are someone who becomes weary talking with strangers, don’t give up trying. You have other strengths to contribute to missionary work, such as being a good friend to those you know well, having creative ideas, being insightful about people, or excelling at planning. You may assume others don’t like you, even though they really do. Seek inspiration and listen to the Spirit to help you use your strengths in His service and develop more of the attributes of Christ that you have access to as a missionary. You represent Jesus Christ, not yourself.
- Learn to ask inspired questions. Learn and practice questions to get other people talking. Ask people about their work, hobbies, family, or personal history. Ask about what matters most to them, what they yearn for or worry about. Listen for opportunities to testify of a gospel principle that will be relevant to them. Show your sincere interest.
- If reading, studying, or memorizing is hard for you, be patient with yourself. Take short breaks frequently at first; then gradually study for a few minutes longer at a time. Take notes on what you read to help you remember. Read out loud (quietly) if it helps. Try memorizing by (1) repeating things out loud, (2) reading or writing things several times, or (3) moving around and acting things out as you learn. See which technique works best for you. Use other strengths you have, such as contacting potential investigators, navigating, or being cheerful.
- Keep your sense of humor when you make a mistake. Then try again.
- Find the strength in a weakness. Sometimes having a weakness teaches us strengths like compassion, empathy, patience, humility, and reliance on the Lord. Sometimes a weakness (like being easily distracted) has a strength that goes with it (like noticing things others miss). Look for the strengths that might come from your weaknesses.
- If you feel envious of someone else’s skills, refocus your attention on your personal mission. Put your energy into developing your strengths and contributing them to the work. This is your mission.
- Compliment your companion often. Thank him or her for things you appreciate. [Don’t quibble! Seek first to understand, then work together to find solutions.]
- Ask your companion for suggestions on how you can improve.Also ask the Lord to help you see your weaknesses (see Ether 12:27).
May the Lord bless us as we stretch and grow while operating outside our comfort zone in the great work of the gathering of Israel on both sides of the veil.
- Doctrine and Covenants 8:2
