Mixing it Up

Things have been unusual for us in the field the last few days.
This last week, Elder Sargent and I picked up a new companion, Elder Dearborn. He's waiting for a visa to go to Sao Paulo, Brazil, on his mission.
I've never been in a threesome before. It's been a really great chance to evaluate myself. These are the thoughts I've had recently as a result:

I've noticed a general trend in missionaries throughout my time serving. Right after we get transferred and paired up with a new missionary, things are new and exciting. Everything is just great, hopes are high, enthusiasm is dripping and we have big dreams and hopes for our areas.

After about two weeks, the "Honeymoon" phase ends. The initial excitement of being in a new situation leaves. We start to recognize all the weaknesses in our companions, and all the weaknesses in ourselves that this new dynamic has brought to light. We finally get a real grip on what the situation is with the work, and realize how much we really have to do. We've also become comfortable with the person we're with, and the temptation to slack off comes in. There's no stranger left to impress.

And so, this transfer, we've had the opportunity to have a third companion come in. It has been an incredible experience for me already. I have seen, so quickly, all the little things that we've needed to change. And he's provided me, just by being here, with a wake up call and a great chance to change.
This poem kept coming to mind. I don't know where it came from, but I love it. A lacrosse coach of mine from back home sent it to me at the beginning of my mission. It has reminded me that one time events don't shape our lives, but the small decisions we make every day make the biggest difference.
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When things go wrong, as they sometimes will,

When the road you're trudging seems all uphill,

When the funds are low and the debts are high,

And you want to smile, but you have to sigh,

When care is pressing you down a bit-

Rest if you must, but don't you quit.

Life is queer with its twists and turns,

As every one of us sometimes learns,

And many a fellow turns about

When he might have won had he stuck it out.

Don't give up though the pace seems slow -

You may succeed with another blow.

Often the goal is nearer than

It seems to a faint and faltering man;

Often the struggler has given up

Whe he might have captured the victor's cup;

And he learned too late when the night came down,

How close he was to the golden crown.

Success is failure turned inside out -

The silver tint in the clouds of doubt,

And you never can tell how close you are,

It might be near when it seems afar;

So stick to the fight when you're hardest hit -

It's when things seem worst that you must not quit.