The Art of Showing Up: Tending What You Can Reach in the Field

When I was first called to serve, I thought I had to be a specialist. I thought I needed to master one subject—the perfect scripture verse, the flawless talk track, the immaculate testimony—before I was worthy to step into the field. I was so focused on 'niching down' my faith that I almost forgot what the Savior taught us about being whole.

It’s easy to feel that pressure now, whether you’re preparing for your mission, serving as a returned missionary, or simply trying to live the gospel in a secular workplace. We treat discipleship like a project with a single focus area. If I struggle with my finances, I focus on money. If I struggle with my family, I focus on home. But the truth, which the Spirit keeps reminding me of, is that we are called to show up as our whole, unedited selves.

The principle of "tending what you can reach" isn't just a beautiful devotional phrase; it's a practical guide for how we do the work. It reminds us that the Savior doesn't ask for perfection; He asks for presence. He asks us to use the gifts and opportunities He has given us right now, right where we are, even if that place feels messy or overwhelming.

Discipleship Is the Whole Buffet

I recently watched a devotional talking about the idea of showing up authentically—bringing all parts of your life to the table. And it struck me because it perfectly mirrors what it means to be a Latter-day Saint. We are not meant to be a single-focus channel, and our faith doesn't fit neatly into one box.

The Spirit doesn't call you to be an expert in one area; the Spirit calls you to be a disciple in all areas. When you bring your whole self—your messy, authentic, wonderful self—to the work, that is when the Lord can truly guide you.

Think of our online life. We don't just share a polished, filtered version of our lives when we are disciples; we share the struggles, the joys, the questions, and the profound moments of revelation. That’s the work. That’s the Internet missionary effort.

Practical Application: Using the Whole Self in Conversations

How does this apply when you’re doing missionary discussions, or even when you're just having a Bible Study Group with a new friend? It means that when you feel the weight of a tough question—the kind of question that makes you stumble—you don't have to have the perfect, scripted answer. You just have to show up with integrity and humility.

This is where the power of being Christlike comes into play. It's not about having all the answers; it's about modeling the process of seeking truth with the Spirit. It’s about being willing to say, “That’s a profound question, and I want us to look at the scriptures together to see what the Spirit whispers.”

Your Challenge: Tending What You Can Reach Today

If you feel overwhelmed by the sheer breadth of the work, remember the phrase: Tend what you can reach. Don't wait until you feel ready, or until you have all the answers. Start where you are. Start with the small, consistent adjustments. This week, I invite you to focus on showing up authentically in just one area—maybe it’s sharing a struggle in a Book Club, or maybe it's just letting your genuine enthusiasm for the gospel show in a quick comment online.

If you want to practice navigating those tough, nuanced conversations, I highly recommend running through some scenarios with Davee. His AI Investigator role is amazing for giving you the confidence to respond with both truth and grace. It's excellent missionary preparation, no matter where you are in your journey.

And if you're ready to dig deeper into the nature of the Atonement or the role of the Holy Spirit, I’ve been really enjoying the latest insights from the Iron Rod authors. Check out the Book Clubs in HolyPlaces and see if there is a deep dive into the Book of Mormon or the Book of Moses—it’s a wonderful way to strengthen your personal discipleship.