Our little children take praying largely for granted. They
see the example daily. They practice daily... Adults outside the church usually
do not really know how, and especially how to pray publicly. It can be very
scary. This was Ed's first time. For him, it is a miracle in communication.
Prayer will never be completely the same. We are grateful!
Maybe this is a miracle (or not -?). Either way, it is
an interesting observation.
President Larry Gelwix is our Mission President. He was an
excellent former rugby coach, and learned two things (of many) that are very
apparent in his leadership style: love the missionaries and set the
standards high for excellence in all things... Obedience is needful
for every advancement and victory.
His wife is equally matched with him in these things.
Our missionaries have been given guidelines for all areas of
their lives, and one of these is in the cleanliness of their apartments.
Sister Gelwix spear headed this area...They were truly doing their 'best'
to be excellent – truly. Yet, some time ago when the Senior Missionaries
checked, there was much to be desired (like dust on the window sills that you
could write a message in! ...'' Who saw that?")
"How clean is clean?" They wondered.
“Ahhh ...Yes. They are young. How do we explain excellence to
them - in cleaning???” The term was coined, (by Sister Williams, our mission housing coordinator)
...“TEMPLE CLEAN”. Then they did the “ahhhh... we are closer to
understanding!” All of this is in the Gelwix spirit of love, obedience
and excellence.
Sister Olson recently heard of missionaries in another
mission that think it is okay to leave dishes in the sink – forever for weeks -
and do not have apartment checks... High, clear, standards (in that area)
seem to be missing. In the Gelwix mission style – there is a standard and
obedience is expected.
Missionaries in the CFM are blessed to be held to
these high standards in all areas. The goals or guidelines filter down from the
top and through to everyone. These standards – applied to all things- should be
a life time practice that will make them great – and fit for an eternal
Kingdom. After all, 'cleanliness is next to godliness'.
The standard is to be ...” TEMPLE CLEAN” … in everything we
do! We can be.
That is a great list...I may need to do something like this for my kids. They definitely have a lot to work on before they go on missions. Of course, I need to work on some myself.
ReplyDeleteAwesome post, Sister Ball! I needed this for my own life and home! I have a tendency to get a little slack sometimes. I have helped clean the Provo temple and the Bountiful temple. It's amazing the little things they do that most of us wouldn't even think about. I like the term Temple Clean. I have something to strive for! My house isn't a pig pen, but I know I can do better. :-)
ReplyDelete