Elder Scott Learning, Living and Sharing the Gospel in Perú: Change is hard, but good.

Have you heard the familiar adage, "Nothing is as common as change."?

Change is happening all around us every day. Some change is unexpected and comes suddenly, other changes take place slowly and gradually, but one thing is certain and that is the knowledge that change is necessary in order to reach our full potential. This is our one and only chance at mortal life. We don't get a do-over so it's important to make the most of it by focusing on changes that will help us in the eternal scheme of life.

Back in 1979 Marvin J. Ashton spoke at a General Conference and said, "As opportunity for change reaches into our lives, as it always will, we must ask, "Where do I need development? What do I want out of life? Where do I want to go? How can I get there?" Weighing alternatives very carefully is a much needed prerequisite as one plans changes. In God's plan we are usually free to choose the changes we make in our lives and we are always free to choose how we will respond to the changes that come. We need not surrender our freedoms. But just as a compass is valuable to guide us out of the dense forest, so the gospel points the way as we walk the paths of life."

This week Elder Scott will be undergoing,with welcome arms, many changes in his life. He is being transferred about an hour south to the city of Chimbote and was asked to serve as a District Leader. He will have to adapt to a new apartment, new companion, new ward members, new investigators, new pensionista, new responsibilities....pretty much new everything, and you know what? He's excited about it because he knows it is through change that Heavenly Father can work miracles. He looks at change as an opportunity to grow even more and to depend on the Lord to guide him in the decisions that will be placed before him. As much as he is going to miss his friends and loved ones in Moche, he is ready and willing to do whatever the Lord asks of him next. In his words, "Whatever comes to pass doesn't matter. I'm just going to give it all my might, mind, heart, and strength and lift where I stand. I'll be the 'faithful Elder' and try to excel at whatever I'm asked to do." That's Heavenly Father's desire for all of us. He wants us to choose righteousness, choose happiness, choose to follow the Lord's ways because when we do, the rest will fall into place.

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf stated, When we are grateful to God in our circumstances, we can experience gentle peace in the midst of tribulation. In grief, we can still lift up our hearts in praise. In pain, we can glory in Christ's atonement. In the cold of bitter sorrow, we can experience the closeness and warmth of heaven's embrace. We sometimes think that being grateful is what we do after our problems are solved, but how terribly shortsighted that is. How much of life do we miss by waiting to see the rainbow before thanking God that there is rain?"

Change is inevitable, so make the most of it by relying on the Lord to help navigate you through it and think of the words our beloved prophet, Thomas S. Monson, spoke, "Despite the changes which come into our lives and with gratitude in our hearts, may we fill our days--as much as we can--with those things which matter most. May we cherish those we hold dear and express our love to them in word and in deed."

Another cool experience in Moche before changes happened.