Last night, my husband and I ended up watching the movie "Best Two Years." Since I'm a convert, I really enjoy "Mormon" movies like The Singles Ward, The Home Teachers, and yes even Mobsters and Mormons. Perhaps I don't always enjoy them for quality, but the fact that I even understand what they are talking about now gets me all excited.
Well, this movie was excellent! It made me laugh, it made my cry and was all around just awesome to watch. Before the film started, I mentioned to my husband about the blog I wrote (below) and he became slightly offended. He surely believed that the best two years of his life were his mission. He also didn't have any qualms saying that working for God is more important and far better than anything else in life - even marriage...to me. I was so hurt. And I still am.
Although, after we watched the movie I had even more respect for missionaries. But I still stand strong in saying that your mission should at least be TIED for first place. Granted, working for God is important, and two solid years of thinking and working for and about God are far and away one of the most important things you can do in your life. But still...
4 comments:
I wonder what guys go through on their mission to render that the best two years. I know that service to God is one of the greatest feelings there is, but I just can't imagine it.
Oh, and I love that movie too! I bawl my freaking eyes out!
Please don't be offended by what your husband said. He might have been tactless in how he said it... but I understand what he means!
Explaining your experience on your mission is like explaining how good chocolate is to someone who doesn't have taste buds - you just can't quite convey the experience. My mission was the most incredible thing I've done, but I would never want to go through those experiences again. I think the reason that missions are rated as the best two years is because of the level of emotion that you go through. You hit some of the highest points, and most of the lowest points you'll have in your life. You dedicate your life to serving people - many of whom don't want you. And you only have two years to do it.
Marriage is quite different. I love my wife with all of my heart. I also love my children with all of my heart, but the experience I've had with them the past two years is quite DIFFERENT from my mission. There are highs and lows, but they are DIFFERENT. I have grown in these past 4 years, but not nearly the same amount of growth I did in two years on my mission.
I understand your frustration, but please do not think that that phrase is replacing, or demeaning marriage relationships - they're just quite different things. And think, your husband wouldn't be the man that he is today if he hadn't gone on a mission - it got him ready for you - wouldn't you think that's a great thing?
I disagree with your husband & the gentleman who posted above me, Tyler. My mission president told me that my mission had better NOT be the best two years of my life. Not that I wasn't supposed to enjoy serving the Lord, loving/serving God's children & all the rest of the learning experiences/blessings that come because of it. But it was to be a stepping stone to a bigger & better life. Because of my mission, I learned to be a better companion to my spouse, making the rest of my life BETTER. Because of my mission, I learned how to have a closer relationship with my Heavenly Father, making the rest of my life BETTER. Because of my mission, I learned more patience, making the rest of my life BETTER. If the rest of my life is BETTER because of my mission, how can my mission be the best two years of my life? And how sad would it be if the best two years of your life were so early on in life? If they were the best to years of your life, wouldn't you constantly be looking back on those days, wishing you could have them back. I really don't think that that was how God intended things to be. I'm pretty sure He wants us enjoying our time on earth NOW & looking to the future with hope & joy.
I would have to say that my mission was NOT the best to years of my life! In fact, I can think of better times I have had!! I would say that my mission was the best two years for my life though. Because like stated above, it has taught me many things which I need to be, a better husband, father, priesthood holder etc! I think I have a better grasp on the gospel having served a mission, but I wouldn't say that I am all knowing just because I served a mission. I still struggle day to day with certain things, both spiritual and temporal. After all, I am human.
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