Listening With Love

 

Friends and family!

My heart was softened this week because of so so many experiences! 

As most of you probably know Ontario went into a state of emergency lockdown again and it is taking a toll on too many! It breaks my heart to see and hear from so many people who are suffering. I even felt a degree of loneliness/isolation and separation within myself this week! So much so that it brought me to knees over and over again. I think this can be hard to admit as a missionary at times because it honestly feels like we are supposed to have it all together, managing just well, BUT oh me oh my it's tough!!! 

In a mental health devotional yesterday, I learned that statistics showed that 82.1% of people indicated connecting socially with friends or family was a key coping strategy... and we don't have that right now! We are being forced to learn new ways to cope.  

I was blessed to talk with my mission President this week and the love he gave taught me an important life skill. I've often been told that listening to others sincerely and with genuine interest is essential. I have been blessed with opportunities to listen to others, but I don't think I've ever been the best listener. This week when I felt pretty desperate for relief from these negative feelings President Ensign was there. He listened. He was sincere. He was genuine. He did all he could to ensure I was happier than when he had first spoke with me. Having been listened to and being on the receiver end of it really really opened my eyes! Listening with love, especially now is one of the best things we can do for each other. 

This week was also Grandpa Dean's birthday and so we celebrated his life with a croissant and hot chocolate! (His favorite) I felt so close to him as I found some photos of him in Kingston, ON back in 2017 a few months before he passed away. I know our loved ones who have passed are so close to us always.

I hope you all are managing well! With everything going on and with what seems like never ending sad news I'm learning a lot about myself and about my relationship with Christ. He continues to be the solution for every broken heart, every lonely feeling, and every plead for help. He is the best listener, and He never stops listening! Turn to Him next time you're not feeling so good, and I promise you will feel your burdens lift! 

LOVE YOU ALL