This was my Sunday Message from January 4, 2020. I hope you enjoy it.
My son returned from his church mission Wednesday after spending two years serving the people in four areas of Michigan. New Year’s Day 2020 and finally seeing him again couldn’t come soon enough for our family. I wanted this week’s “Sunday Message” to be a letter to him. I’m posting late today, Saturday, because I kick off the TSV at QVC at midnight for Nutrisystem, then after 24 hours here, I’m heading back to LA to start up The Talk again on Monday. It’s been a crazy first week, but I’d like to share with you this letter to my son Matthew.
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A Letter to My Son…
First, wow! What a way to kick off the New Year!! When you came down the escalator at the airport, and I saw you for the first time after two years, I cannot tell you how thrilled your mama’s heart was! It was obvious to everyone that an 18-year-old boy had left, but a 20-year-old man returned. I know you could see on my face how proud I am of you, Matthew!
I missed seeing you, but hearing about your weekly experiences and how they helped you grow in faith and love for others ignited my heart with joy. After high school, you could have just gone off to college or gotten a job, but you decided to set aside this time in your life to serve other people and, most importantly, develop a deeper relationship with your Savior, Jesus Christ.
The two days you were home went by way too quickly, and I have to admit, it was not the easiest thing taking you right off to college after being gone for two years. But that third day, driving you to college and listening to your stories, will always be one of those special moments between a mother and her son. I respect you so much, my son, that you want to continue building on your mission's momentum. Your enthusiasm makes me want to be a better person. I can’t wait to see what the future has in store for you!
Now that you’re home, it’s good to remember we are ALL continually on a mission. We are our Savior’s eyes and hands, and He wants us to help and serve each other. The Savior said, “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another” (John 13:35). Russell M. Nelson said, “Lending service to those who have lost their way or who are wounded in spirit opens your heart to personal revelation. Spend more time—much more time—in places where the Spirit is present. That means more time with friends who are seeking to have the Spirit with them. Spend more time on your knees in prayer and the scriptures... As you consistently give the Lord a generous portion of your time, He will multiply the remainder.”
Your Grandma Osmond spent the last half of her life studying the characteristics of Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit so that she could strive to emulate them. You’ve begun to learn and share many of those characteristics serving others on your mission. She encouraged me, and now I encourage you to continue focusing on these Godly attributes throughout your life. With time, they can become habits or, in other words, second nature to you. This, my sweet son, takes a lifetime, so be patient with yourself! Take it one day at a time.
Now, go have fun learning and figuring out what you enjoy doing! Don’t settle on something for the financial benefits but rather find an occupation you love, and the rest will follow! Something Wayne Dyer said has stayed with me. “The measure in your life will be in not what you accumulate but what you give away.”
There is one thing I want to add from my heart, and I hope you use it your whole life… “Live your life in such a way that people who know you, but don’t know Christ, will want to know Christ because they know you.” I think that is the best way to live…
And don’t forget to come to see me periodically... or a LOT, 😂 because I love and need those big hugs.
I love you!!!
Mom😘