Parting Is Such Sweet Sorrow‏ (From the Pres)

Dear Parents,
I just have to tell you how much fun I am having reading your responses. I think I will make a book that I can enjoy through the years. I hope I get to meet you in person sometime in the future. (If you don't like to respond don't feel obligated, but thanks to those who do.)

Today I would like to talk about the pain of separation from your children. President Gee and I sent three sons and one daughter on missions. I think I understand every emotion that you are feeling. There is joy, satisfaction, peace, tenderness, faith, increased testimony, sacrifice, anxious feelings, and counting the weeks and months. Our oldest son went to the Salt Lake City Mission. He was only a hop, skip, and a jump away from us. It seemed like everyone in our community saw him except us. I remember standing at the top of the church Office Building and looking out at Salt Lake City with my husband and knowing he was out there somewhere and we couldn't go find him. As I look back on our children's missions I have to admit that my perspective wasn't the same as it is now. We kept the rules faithfully but I didn't have the vision of why we had to be so limited with our contacts. Being here in the mission has helped me understand more what the Brethren are trying to accomplish with these rules.

We as parents have been the lifeline to our children since their birth. We have nurtured them, taught them, protected and supported them, helped them solve their problems, given them goals to work toward, had fun with them, become their friends, shared life and love. For most of them their parents are the first place they turn when they need anything from food to comfort to money to encouragement. We have loved that relationship. It has blessed our lives and even given us good reason to live. This relationship is still important and is a key to the happiness and success of the missionaries. That is why the missionaries are expected to stay in contact with you through e-mails and twice a year, telephone calls. We hope they share their feelings and experiences.

This is also a unique and set apart time in their lives. Never before have they been called on to be so disciplined and unselfish. They have agreed to serve the Lord with ALL their hearts, might, mind, and strength. It is quite a challenge to avoid the distractions that the world so freely offers. We all know that if they set their minds to it, there are ample ways to communicate with family and friends back home beyond what has been outlined. When they do this they are establishing lifelines to the world rather than a lifeline to heaven. What they have the opportunity to do here is learn to reach to Heavenly Father when they need help, rather than to other people. That is what we have all hoped and prayed they would learn to do as we have raised them. We now have the opportunity to stand aside and let that heavenly process take place. When parents support them in keeping the rules, they fortify their children and allow them to progress. The spiritual growth that is possible on a mission is a wonder to behold. We watch young men who were in jeans and t-shirts, riding dirt bikes, put on their missionary clothes and become prophets. A prophet testifies of Jesus Christ. We watch them become responsible for their areas, and learn to become leaders. The young women often come with a maturity beyond their years. They still learn to do things they didn't think they could do. The greatest thing you can do is unflinchingly help them to be obedient.

There are times when parents desire exceptions to the established rules. They may want permission for a visit or telephone call. Sometimes the reasons are valid and permission is given. Please understand that President Gee is absolutely converted that because apostles and prophets have established the guidelines, it is his responsibility to be true to what they have outlined. While he would love to make everyone happy, his first desire is to do what the Lord expects. Hopefully, this gives a perspective that would help you understand if there is ever a hesitation or a denial.

Well, that is enough for today. The most important thing I said was about the "heavenly process." Thanks for all you do to enable this to happen. The missionaries are working their heads off. Somehow the leaders have ignited a fire in them. In spite of the heat, they are outdoing themselves in contacting people and inviting them to listen to the message. Their faith is increasing. We tell them to expect miracles and I go around with my little Miracle Journal and a pen to write down their testimony building experiences. One of these days I will share a few. I get chill bumps when I think of the possibilities of united missionaries and their parents and families all praying and fasting for the spiritual lives of the people in this mission. Please continue with your prayers. There is so much power in united faith. President Gee sends his love. On to the victory!!!
Love, Sister Gee