A note from Dad

 January 28, 2025

Hermana Rigby,

I'm sending this from mom's computer since I am home.  I thought about the concerns you shared about losing some motivation and your finding it a challenge to keep working hard.  I agree with Pres. Jones in his understanding that your definition of work is a bit different than the average missionary.  That being said, this is what I feel the spirit has guided me to share with you (and myself as I have needed this message as well).

Elder Soares shared a message to students at Ensign College and I feel I was inspired to land on it while on my morning run.  His message was about receiving guidance on what we should do and the importance of receiving guidance from the Holy Ghost. You are seeking for answers and this is likely the key to your finding such.

You need guidance right now so it is time for you to humble yourself before Heavenly Father, pour your heart to Him, and pray in the name of Christ about your concerns and your weaknesses.  Then as President Nelson taught, "Then LISTEN.  Write the thoughts and record your feelings and follow through with the actions you are prompted to take."

You know the song, - pray, he is there, speak - he is listening, you are his child, his love now surrounds you.  Sing it and then fall on your knees.

There is always a period of BURN OUT in everything we do.  Especially when the work is hard in every avenue - physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, and so on. It is time for you to close this chapter of your mission and prepare yourself for the next.  In doing so, you must figure out what the next chapter is all about.  Only you and Heavenly Father can figure this out.  It is time for you to pay the price to go to Him and plead through word and deed - HIS direction.  He can give you the answers through the Holy Ghost.

Here are some lessons about how the Holy Ghost works and how to connect to heaven through the Him:

Elder Soares taught, "The Holy Ghost is the conduit of the power of the Lord - used to inspire God's children.  If we are connected with Him, the Holy Ghost can and will reveal to us what we need to do."    

Mornoni 10:5 - By the power of the HG we may know the truth of all things.

Nephi taught, "If ye enter in by the way and receive the HG, it will show unto you all things what you should do."

Pres. Nelson "Stretch beyond your current spiritual ability to receive personal revelation, for the Lord has promised that if thou shalt seek, thou shalt receive revelation upon revelation, knowledge upon knowledge, that thou mayest know the mysteries and peaceable things, that which bringeth joy."

Emma, I too have lost some of the joy of working, of serving, of living.  We must connect or reconnect to heaven to receive guidance, especially in this challenging world or during this difficult time.  Elder Soares said about this fact, "Perhaps this is one of the main tasks we need to accomplish as we face mortality. To know how to receive and recognize the promptings and guidance from the Holy Ghost."

So my message is this - The Lord is always willing to reveal his mind and will.  He wants to help us.  It is up to us to do our part to receive His spirit and direction.  I need it and so do you.  And typically when we receive it, our abilities and desires are motivated and we are elevated to accomplish His will.

"Be not weary in well doing for ye are laying the foundation of a great work. And out of small things proceedeth that which is great." - D&C 64:33