Things We Don't Advertise

I was talking with a brother today who I have been impressed with ever since I met him. He is an amazing scriptorian and has a tremendous knowledge of the gospel.  I assumed that he had served a mission and was a gung ho missionary.  I was surprised to find out today that in fact he did not go on a mission.  He said it wasn't something he advertised.  I expressed to him a couple of thoughts and then   Elders Quorum started and we had moved in to the lesson and so we didn't continue our conversation. 

I felt a need to share with him some thoughts regarding Things We Don't Advertise so after the lesson was over we sat for a few minutes and chatted some more.  I expressed to him how impressed with him I was and that I hoped he didn't feel that any of the questions I had asked him or the surprised look I had was in any way a judgement or looking down on him. 

We had a brief and open discussion about the fact that there is some embarrassment in not having served a mission with the huge emphasis that is placed on missionary service in the church.  I shared with him that I could relate very well to that embarrassment having been divorced in the church.  So there we were having this interesting conversation and I think it just allowed us to connect on a certain level.  I talked to him about where I was at when I got divorced and how I felt unworthy to even make a comment in church.  It was very difficult and then I had a quiet moment and the Spirit whispered and I knew it was okay.  I knew that I had experienced certain things and that through those experiences I could help others. 

My friend shared with me some thoughts about the atonement and understanding he gathered in reading the Infinite Atonement and how he opened it up one day when he was struggling with some things and it happened to be discussing the fact that there are things in our lives that happen and they seem like stumbling blocks at the time, and certainly they can be, but if we are faithful and true they are stepping stones. 

Well, this was probably not very detailed and I hesitate to share my friends name.  Suffice to say I have a tremendous amount of respect for him.  I am strengthened by his faith and his testimony.  I understand having things in life that we don't necessarily want to advertise - things in church life that we don't want to advertise.  I am grateful for a loving Father in Heaven that is aware of me, he knows my heart, he stands ready to bless.  So though there are things that I don't advertise in life it is comforting to know that no matter what I have a Father in Heaven that loves me and wants to bless me.  I am grateful that each of us have those same blessings.  My apologies if this makes no sense.  I am quite tired and the thoughts in my head are not translating well.