(Anziano Wilkinson)
Okay, so I have a confession. I have been holding back about
writing home about the food here in Italy because I wanted to make sure I
wasn't passing judgment prematurely. It still might be premature, but I think
by now I am pretty safe in making this assumption. You know that stereotype
about Italy having great food? Well, it's absolutely true! I have had so many
good experiences already with meals here in Pisa and so far and it only seems
to be getting better with each passing day. One a side note I had my first
authentic gelato this week and it was magical to say the least. Let's just say
the likelihood of me gaining weight on my mission skyrocketed when I discovered
how good it is here!
Other than that I am beginning to settle into the life of a
missionary; no longer am I having to ask questions every minute about what we
are doing and why. And my comprehension of the language is improving noticeably
with all the practice I am getting. Also time is back to it's 'normal' pace
with days flying by at unreasonable speeds instead of the slow crawl that it
was moving at for my first week. One could say that things are going pretty
well for us here.
This week I was studying a bit about prayer and I came
across a little instruction box in Preach my Gospel on how to pray. It is very
simple, it says first "address our Heavenly Father", then
"Express the feelings of your heart", then "close in the name of
Jesus Christ". I was struck by the fact that it grouped what is usually
separated into two distinct steps (giving thanks and asking for things) into
one whole, namely, "express[ing] the feelings of your heart". I
realized then that when we give thanks to our Heavenly Father, it should be
from the very core of our hearts. Our thanks should be every part of the main
course as our requests, not just side dishes thrown in as part of a balanced
prayer.
Prayer is such a wonderful concept; it's literal
communication with our Father in Heaven. He listens to, cherishes, and even
responds to our prayers. I know He does, I have experienced these things in my
life time and time again and always to a greater extent when I speak sincerely
with Him and when I remember my relationship with Him as one of His children. I
would like to invite all of you to keep this in mind as you express the desires
of your heart to Him; remember each time you pray that you are praying to no
less than your loving Father in Heaven. I promise He enjoys hearing your voice,
especially in sincere and heartfelt prayer, no matter how unworthy you feel you
are, because He loves you. I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ,
amen.
I hope you all have a great week! Go share your testimony
with someone for me! It is fast Sunday after all!
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