When I was little, I remember getting these really bad muscle aches every once in a while. My mom called them growing pains. The assumption was that everytime my muscles hurt randomly it was because I was growing. Yes, I wanted to be tall (my goal in life was to be 6' tall someday...that didn't happen, oh well) but as much as I wanted to be taller, those growing pains sure hurt and I can't say that I was always grateful for them even though I knew it meant that I was growing.
Eventually I grew up and the growing pains got less and less. Now I can't even remember the last time I had one. And it was definitely worth it because I really can't picture myself being happy staying at the size I was when I was 6.
Correlating this to missionary work--and life in general for that matter:
Sometimes things hurt (usually spiritually or mentally instead of physically although that's not always true). Everyone keeps telling me that means I'm growing.
Yeah, yeah, yeah...
Sometimes it's hard to remember that it's worth it but I know that the pain doesn't last forever. I know that ultimately it will be something I'm grateful for. The Lord has promised us that the experiences we have will be for our good. So the next time you feel one of those growing pains, just know that it won't be like this forever. And in the end it will be a good thing.
Growing is good!
