Dear Family and Friends
They are giving us a few minutes before lunch, so this will be pretty short but sweet. I've learned a lot about the teaching process, as well as other people. There are so many different types of people in the world, and we all process information differently. Some of us focus on having the right answers, planning our moves carefully before we act. Some of us act more on our feelings and emotions. Some of us don't think at all. I was getting so frustrated with "Carlos" because i felt like I was explaining myself clearly with the scriptures to back me up, and he should be understanding it. But I realized (well... the spirit helped me... a lot...) that teaching the gospel is more than just having the right answer. The correct doctrine is necassary of course, but the crucial thing that I was missing was the WAY i taught. We were trying to force our agenda on Carlos. WE wanted him to understand and believe the apostasy. WE wanted him to pray the right way instead of using the Lord's Prayer. I realized that the more we push, the more we risk pushing them away. Our purpose as missionaries is to INVITE people to come unto Christ, and help them build their faith in him. Not force them or build it for them. When we taught him today we came in with a new attitude. We taught from our heart. I don't think we taught him anything new, but the way we presented the message was softer, more loving, and directed at showing Carlos why he is important to us, and why we want to help him. We focused on HIS needs, HIS comments, HIS desires. I definitely felt a difference. I didn't have that anger or frustration that I had before, when I was trying to convince him. It's a concept that I am struggling to describe effectively, and I hope that you guys understand what I'm getting at. It's like that picture of the Savior knocking at the door. The door has no handle on the outside, and we have to open it. It's a lot more enticing to open the door when he is standing out there patiently, full of love, instead of using a battering ram. Yes I love debating, using facts to prove my point and such, but I love helping people more. Loving, serving, and helping them through a relationship of trust gives me so much more satisfaction. I love this work. I love the things i'm learning about myself and the gospel. I love the changes that I see in myself, and I am so grateful to be here.
Our President told us that a few apostles have said that when we get to heaven we will be shocked to find out how much God has micro managed our lives, without interfering with our agency. I was reading my journal last night, thinking about the time I spent at home in the last year. I never could see it in the moment, but looking back I see a lot of instances where my path was redirected or slightly corrected in order to get me back out here. I know this is where I am supposed to be. I have had many miracles, big and small, that have allowed me to be a part of this and I am ever grateful.
Con mucho amor,
Elder Nichols
