Something Worth Leaving Behind

Sending Zachary off on a mission has left me feeling very reflective lately. He reported to the MTC on September 1, which also would have been my Grandmother's birthday. The more I thought about that coincidence in the weeks leading up to Zachary's departure, the more I realized that it was probably not a coincidence at all. I truly believe that particular day was selected as a reminder that she is watching out for him, and for all of us that she left behind. It was her little way of being a part of that day and saying, "I love you and I'm proud of you Zachary." As I think about that, I can see an image of her, surrounded by crowds of people... people whose lives will be affected directly, or indirectly, because of Zachary's mission; Children of the people he baptizes, and their children after them, friends of converts who are converted too, people on the street who see him and are curious about this gringo wearing a white shirt and tie, new generations of missionaries created because of the things he teaches... That image fills me with so much joy I can't even begin to describe it. That is truly something worth leaving behind.