DEC_24_18_GROUP_TOW_Week of December 24, 2018
Hey everyone!!
First of all, I wanted to wish you all a Merry Christmas!! Being a missionary during Christmas time is the BEST. I mean sure, we still get doors slammed in our face, but at least people say "Merry Christmas!" before they slam the door! That's something isn't it?
But in all seriousness, I am so grateful for this opportunity that I have to be a missionary, especially during this Christmas season. This is the time of year that we get to show our gratitude to our Heavenly Father for the matchless gift of His Divine Son. And I have the privilege of wearing His name over my heart, and being a 24/7 representative of Him. I am so grateful for the Savior, for His willingness to die for me and take upon Himself all of my sins. He literally died for ME. He loves me and you THAT much. I'll forever be grateful for that.
I've been thinking a lot about what's REALLY important to me. What makes me the most happy? What are the feelings and times that I cherish the most?
Now, I've experienced a lot of happiness in my life. I remember when BYU beat Nebraska on a Hail Mary Touchdown in 2015. I was pretty dang happy then.
I remember when Roger Federer beat Rafa Nadal in the Australian Open Final in 2017. I stayed up until 7am watching that match. I was pretty dang happy then as well.
I remember the joy of finding out that I had gotten accepted into Brigham Young University, the school of my dreams since I was 7 years old. Over a decade of work had gone into that moment, and I felt like I was going to explode with happiness.
I guess what I'm trying to say is that there are so many things in this life that can bring happiness, albeit fleeting. But I've determined that I have found one of the only things that brings not only happiness, but true, lasting JOY.
Are you ready for this?
It's FAMILY.
Football and sports are really important to me, but there are no moments that I cherish more in life than those times spent with my family. I remember staying up late talking to my father in the kitchen about my life concerns and struggles. I remember calling my mom while I was in college, asking for her advice. Playing countless tennis matches with my brother, singing and playing the guitar/ukulele with Sarah, talking to Briana about my girl troubles.
Those, my friends, are the moments I cherish most.
Take time this Christmas to just ENJOY your family. Look around, take it all in.
I love you guys.
Elder Jake Gonzales
First of all, I wanted to wish you all a Merry Christmas!! Being a missionary during Christmas time is the BEST. I mean sure, we still get doors slammed in our face, but at least people say "Merry Christmas!" before they slam the door! That's something isn't it?
But in all seriousness, I am so grateful for this opportunity that I have to be a missionary, especially during this Christmas season. This is the time of year that we get to show our gratitude to our Heavenly Father for the matchless gift of His Divine Son. And I have the privilege of wearing His name over my heart, and being a 24/7 representative of Him. I am so grateful for the Savior, for His willingness to die for me and take upon Himself all of my sins. He literally died for ME. He loves me and you THAT much. I'll forever be grateful for that.
I've been thinking a lot about what's REALLY important to me. What makes me the most happy? What are the feelings and times that I cherish the most?
Now, I've experienced a lot of happiness in my life. I remember when BYU beat Nebraska on a Hail Mary Touchdown in 2015. I was pretty dang happy then.
I remember when Roger Federer beat Rafa Nadal in the Australian Open Final in 2017. I stayed up until 7am watching that match. I was pretty dang happy then as well.
I remember the joy of finding out that I had gotten accepted into Brigham Young University, the school of my dreams since I was 7 years old. Over a decade of work had gone into that moment, and I felt like I was going to explode with happiness.
I guess what I'm trying to say is that there are so many things in this life that can bring happiness, albeit fleeting. But I've determined that I have found one of the only things that brings not only happiness, but true, lasting JOY.
Are you ready for this?
It's FAMILY.
Football and sports are really important to me, but there are no moments that I cherish more in life than those times spent with my family. I remember staying up late talking to my father in the kitchen about my life concerns and struggles. I remember calling my mom while I was in college, asking for her advice. Playing countless tennis matches with my brother, singing and playing the guitar/ukulele with Sarah, talking to Briana about my girl troubles.
Those, my friends, are the moments I cherish most.
Take time this Christmas to just ENJOY your family. Look around, take it all in.
I love you guys.
Elder Jake Gonzales
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