Whenever we look at a new assignment, a new challenge, a new relationship, or anything we have not done before, what memories do we have from previous experiences that help or hinder us?

When I was young, I played a lot of sports. Being left-handed, I played outfield, first base, and pitcher. As I grew older, my specialty was relief pitcher. What do I remember most? In two different games years apart, I gave up a bases-loaded homerun, a grand slam! Then the next batter hit another home run! That is not a happy memory or a memory that instills confidence for any new thing.

In basketball, I remember I had two free throws with seconds left in the game. And I missed them. This was only in a recreational league, but still, I missed!

How often do we only remember the times that we struggled and did not “succeed?” I put the word “succeed” in quotes because maybe success is not simply wins and losses, although at the moment it might be important. But success may be learning from the experience.

How often do we not remember or diminish the memory of when we did well? How often do we minimize those performances, or assignments, or challenges, or relationships? How often do we give our efforts little credit like retiring the side in the last inning on three pitches or striking out the last batter on a curveball or winning a basketball game by making both free throws after time expired?

Events from the scriptures illustrate examples of learning from failure like the two times Nephi and his brothers failed to obtain the plates of brass. It seems like the lesson was to learn to be “led by the Spirit, not knowing beforehand the things which I should do.”(1 Nephi 4:6) How important was it for Nephi to learn to follow the spirit rather than just asking for the plates or trying to trade for the plates. He learned to trust the Lord even more. There are many more events and examples in the scriptures about remembering the events that have prepared us to accomplish more.

Adjusting to Missionary Life offers the following suggestions to build on our experiences and what we have previously learned:

  • Remember what you’ve learned. You have been coping successfully with change and difficulty your whole life. During personal study time, list what you have learned from past transitions and periods of high stress (like adjusting to the MTC). How can you apply these skills now? “Remember how merciful the Lord hath been unto the children of men, from the creation of Adam even down until the time that ye shall receive these things, and ponder it in your hearts” (Moroni 10:3).
  • Serve from your strengths. Make a list of your strengths, talents, and spiritual gifts. Your strengths are part of the Lord’s storehouse, from which He draws to bless His children and build His kingdom. A crucial part of your mission is to cultivate your gifts and consecrate your strengths to help others come to Christ. Focus more on what you do well than on what you do wrong. Plan ways each week to develop and use your gifts to serve and bless others (see D&C 82:18–19).

May the Lord bless us to remember what is important as we move forward into new challenges and new experiences as disciples of Jesus Christ.