Finding the Divine in the Daily Collection: Being a Disciple Anywhere

Sometimes, when we talk about "the work," our minds naturally drift to the field. We picture the missionary discussions, the dedication of the comps, or the quiet moments in the MTC. We think of the structured, focused environment of the mission. And those moments are sacred, absolutely. But the gospel, my brothers and sisters, is far bigger than a single zip code or a single calling.

The most profound lesson in missionary preparation isn't just knowing the answers; it’s learning where to look for the questions, and where to find the Spirit when you least expect it. It’s about recognizing that the Lord doesn't confine our mission to a specific place—He gives us a mission wherever we are.

The Library of Congress of the Soul

In a recent video, we heard from Chris Carlson, who is a creative director at the Library of Congress. His life is a tapestry of seemingly disparate callings: cyclist, father, photographer, and curator of 150 million items of knowledge. When he describes his job—making vast collections of knowledge accessible via the web—it strikes me with the force of a testimony. His calling is one of *accessibility*.

He has a bottomless pit of content and knowledge around him. His job, and his passion, is to make it findable. This is a powerful parallel to the gospel. Our lives, our experiences, our skills—these are our personal collections. The Holy Ghost is the librarian, and our job as disciples is to organize, curate, and make the divine truth accessible to those around us. Whether you are working in finance, healthcare, education, or data entry, you are in a position of influence. You are a curator of knowledge, and you are a witness.

The Art of Observation

Chris mentions how he enjoys cycling because it gives him time to "reflect on things that are important to me, kind of de-stress and prepare myself mentally for work." That commitment to the physical act of cycling isn't just about fitness; it's a discipleship practice. It’s a deliberate space for reflection. This is a skill every returning missionary needs: finding the space to pause, to breathe, and to ask the hard questions of the Spirit.

Think about your own routine. Is your commute your time to reflect? Is your workout your time to study the scriptures? Is the quiet hour before the family wakes up your time to review your scriptures and your personal testimony? The Lord never asks for a sacrifice of time that isn't already part of your life. He asks for the *attention* you give to that time.

"The best camera is the one that’s with you, and my mobile phone’s always with me." - Chris Carlson

That quote is a profound challenge. The best tool we have for sharing the gospel, the tool that is always with us, is our personal experience, our testimony, and our ability to ask and answer questions with love. We are all internet missionaries, whether we are in a professional setting, on a bicycle, or in the living room. We are disciples in the field of our own lives.

Finding Your Next Disciple Skill

If the idea of being an "Internet Missionary" feels overwhelming, start small. I encourage you to commit to a specific, small, repeatable practice this week. Maybe it’s reading a short passage from the Book of Mormon before you open your work email. Maybe it’s asking a coworker, "What is one thing that has brought you joy this week?" This simple act of sincere interest is a precursor to the Christlike empathy we need.

To help you practice the deeper questions—the ones investigators often ask—I recommend utilizing **Davee**. He is an Iron-Rod-trained co-pilot who specializes in the AI Investigator role. He can walk you through hypothetical challenging questions and help you craft compassionate, scripture-supported answers. It’s like having a personal prep session, anytime, anywhere.

For those who want to deepen their study, remember that the Church has built incredible resources for us. If you are looking for a safe, supportive space to learn how to better understand the Book of Mormon, check out the **Bible Study Groups** and **Book Clubs** available in HolyPlaces. The fellowship there is unmatched.

Finally, if you are looking for further insight into the power of dedication and calling, I highly recommend the latest work on missionary service available through LivingBook. It reminds us that our greatest calling is to be Christlike, no matter our secular profession.