This week California got purple-ized again for
Covid, as I'm sure a lot of places have. For me, it isn't a big deal. At this
point, I've decided it doesn't matter how long we're quarantined; I will learn
to live with what I got. I hope we all find this endurance.
We had some good lessons with Miguel, who is
learning English, as well as the Gospel. We've had some other lessons too, but
they've all been awkward for one reason or another; sometimes our investigators
can't hear us through zoom, or their environment keeps distracting them,
or whatnot. Additionally, a lot of people keep canceling the Bible Study stuff.
But, once again, I really don't care.
Well, in preparation for Thanksgiving, I'd
like to invite you all to do something special for me. In my various districts
as a missionary, I've had a lot of District Councils. And there is one lesson
that when given the opportunity to share I've always loved it. Today, we're going
to do it together: Okay, the first step is optional: gather a group of friends
together or your family. This might be awkward unless it is for a planned
activity, like Mutual or FHE. Or you can just do it by yourself.
Next, grab a pen and paper (pencil is less
profesional but whatever. ;) Pick someone. Someone you love, or someone you
wish you had a better relationship with. Someone who is important in your life.
As Missionaries, we all do our companions. If you want to select additional
subjects, that is totally fine! Spend some time to write 3 meaningful virtues
and characteristics that you admire about your friend. Make them
meaningful, not cliche or superficial. I've organized a tier list of
different types of compliments. You might want to take a gander at it before
you write your 3 traits. (see below)
And once you've made your list, read it to
them, or give it to them. It can be awkward, but it really means the world to
them.
This is the season to be grateful. Sometimes
that can be hard. But there is a real and tangible joy that comes from
recognizing how others are a blessing to you, and then cheering someone else,
especially in the form of adoration. Sometimes, I've had really hard companions
to love. And I have always found true compliments and virtues that I love if I
give it thought.
List:
Lvl. 0: flattery or fake. This type of
compliment gets 0 points. People can see through an untrue compliment really
easy, and it might hurt or offend them. And flattery (praise to gain favor in
someone) is deceitful and harmful.
Lvl. 1: vague or uncreative. "You're
really nice!" or, "he's a great guy." etc. etc. These have
little or no meaning.
Lvl: 2: possessions. "Your shirt looks
great!" "You have a sweet soccer ball." etc. etc. These denote
that perhaps you have good taste, but little more than that.
Lvl. 3: skills or achievements. "You are
super good at basketball!" "Man, I admire your cooking. It tastes
super good." "Your acting is phenomenal."
Lvl 4: virtues and characteristics. "You
are so loving." "You're so courageous." "You are hard
working." These compliments are fire. They reflect an admiration of their
soul, and express that not only are they good, but they are a good person.
This means a lot to them!
And finally, Lvl. 5: value and importance.
Combined with lvl. 4, these are earth-shaking compliments. You tell the person
(specifically) what they mean to you. Why you want to be like them. "I am
so grateful for your love, even when I treat you like trash, you still love
me." "Your faith in me has gotten me through a really rough
time." You describe why they have benefited your life. This is the highest
form of compliment.
I love you all! I wish I had time to describe
how grateful I am for all of you. Take care!
--
Aaron Hyrum Goss
