Farewell Talk
My talk was inspired by a few lines from the message from the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in my Missionary Handbook, which reads: “When you serve a mission with all your heart, you help fulfill the two great commandments: ‘Love the Lord thy God… [and] love thy neighbor as thyself.’” (D&C 59:5–6) Often, we say we are sacrificing time, consecrating it to the Lord’s sacred work of bringing souls unto God, but time is not the only gift we give. One far more precious in His eyes is asked of us: all your heart. In that same chapter of Doctrine and Covenants, it is said: “Thou shalt offer a sacrifice unto the Lord thy God in righteousness, even that of a broken heart and a contrite spirit.” Even more than all of our hearts, we are asked specifically for a broken heart. All He asks is that I enter this mission willingly, offering my broken heart. No person I may teach will be touched by a heart that is closed off from emotion, pain, or compassion. My heart must be op...