As many Mormons can attest, an LDS mission is perhaps the most frustrating and rewarding experience in a young person's life. My mission, nearly three years ago, was no different. Every so often, I run across someone from my mission and many memories suddenly come back to me. I especially recall memories of the people, and the successes and frustrations I saw and experienced with them. Some people improved their lives, and it was a wonderful blessing to help them become happier. On the other hand, some people never seemed to reach their full potential. It was frustrating to see people continue destructive habits and attitudes when you tried to help them overcome their challenges.
Today, I ran into a fellow returned missionary and we talked about some of the people we met on our missions (we served in the same mission). I remembered many of these people and the successes and frustrations that attended them. There was one individual I remember that had particularity frustrating challenges. While I was in the area, this person didn't seem to be on the road to improvement, and there wasn't much I could do. Today, I learned that this person has since reformed their life and abandoned their destructive habits and influences. This person is now a leader in the local community, serving other people in wonderful, beneficial ways. This was perhaps the greatest news I've heard in a while.
Today, I am grateful for belated missionary success. I may not have had direct influence on this or other positive changes in some people's lives, but I know I did my best, and that means the world to me.
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