Dear Grayson,
This is your 21 year old self on your mission. First off I would like to let you know how happy I am. I want to let you know that there exists so much more than the little box you are in right now. There exists such greater happiness than just things of the world. The feeling and joy you'll have bringing souls unto Christ is much greater than you can imagine.
I wish you would realize the importance the Gospel could have in your life. There's so much more to these things that will have an eternal impact. I wish you would understand better repentance and learn to use it daily in your life. Experience the atonement of Jesus Christ and feel him wiping away your past. Experience the joy that Christ feels in you when a lost sheep of His decides to make his way back. Feel the sweet joy that Alma talks about in Alma 36:21.
Read the Book of Mormon and find out that it is true! Say your prayers and start to feel your relationship with Heavenly Father grow. Do the simple, easy things and put them as a top priority.
Don't think about the mission as one big sacrifice and that's it. Although a sacrifice, the mission is something so fun where you will learn so many valuable things. You will learn that without a doubt this gospel is true and how much you want others to have those blessings. It won't be easy, that's for sure, but nothing that is easy is usually worth it in life. The first little bit will be hard, but as you forget about yourself and love the people you serve you will find that even greater happiness that I talked about. Think about the people that Heavenly Father has prepared for you to teach and share your testimony with. Think about the fruit they will provide for you and make you so grateful that you made that sacrifice to serve a mission. You will have countless people eternally thankful, that you, especially you, made the sacrifice to serve. You will have families that will be able to tell you the impact you had on their lives. You will feel the joy of serving God as you serve his children (Mosiah 2:17).
The world will still be there when you get back. That other happiness: a car, sports, college, etc. won't go away. But know that now, with a year and 5 months on your mission, I wouldn't trade this time for anything. Despite the difficulties and trials, I wouldn't rather be doing anything else than what I am doing now. Maybe what you think is impossible I am doing now. I truly love the mission with all my heart and don't know what I would be doing with my life if I wasn't here. I know this gospel and the Church of Jesus Christ of latter day saints is true. I want nothing more than others to know that as well and feel the blessings the Lord is so willing to let down on all of us.
Love,
21 year old you
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