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
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