A Loving Family

Dear Family,

 

This week was like a slide. One of those metal ones that's been under the hot sun all day and you go down it practically bare-bummed in a swimsuit. Obviously the week wasn't easy. Sticky, wet, tiring, and just plain overwhelming. I got really caught up in my own emotions and turned very inward instead of turning outward as Christ would. How selfish of me. But I have found that it's really easy for me to reach out and help other when I'm feeling good. But it's even harder when I'm feeling down and out, and the person right next to me is too, to show kindness. Why is that so hard for us to do? Beats me. It really should be that hard. We've been asked to "come unto Christ, and be perfected in Him" (Moroni 10: 32-33). For a long time that scripture has seemed impossible. How are we supposed to be perfect on this earth? For me, I think of it in small steps. We aren't expected to be perfect all at once. We are asked to "deny ourselves of all ungodliness" and exercise the Atonement in our lives. We will make mistakes, we will see trials, but what we are asked to do in these times is simple. Come unto Christ. Take advantage of the wonderful gift of the Atonement. Let Him help you. Sure it's simple, but it's not easy for our selfish and stubborn human minds. Dad told me the other day that the remedy to my problem was simple, forget about myself. How ridiculously easy but so frustratingly difficult! It's one of the things I am meant to learn, and I'd rather learn it here, in this ways, than at home in another. It's not easy, but I know I can do it and I won't be doing it alone. I am so grateful for the love and support I felt yesterday, I felt the fast for me. I can always feel the love everyone has, but sometimes, I let my silly-self forget. I will do better.

 

I love you all so much and I'm so grateful for all of you!

 

Love,

Hermana Erica Florence