The Overwhelming Gift of the First Day: Finding Purpose in the Unexpected

There are days that fade into a blur of jet lag and logistics. You remember the feeling more than the facts—that profound, slightly overwhelming sense of 'What am I here for?'

I was recently watching a compilation of first impressions from Americans visiting the Netherlands, and something really resonated with me. It wasn't the perfect postcard shot of windmills; it was the feeling of being completely out of your element, yet simultaneously feeling utterly called home.

One gentleman described arriving in a place that looked like a fairytale, totally flat, with bikes everywhere, and feeling a mix of awe and confusion. He grew up in Northern Utah, steeped in the culture of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and suddenly, *this*. A completely different world. He felt the pull, the calling, even when the surroundings were so foreign.

It struck me—whether you are heading to a new continent, a new assignment, or even just a new room in the MTC—that the feeling of being called can be more potent than the preparation itself. It’s the moment the Spirit whispers, “This is where you need to be.”

I remember my own early days in the field, and it was a mix of that—the initial disorientation, the learning the local rhythms, the sheer volume of people, and the constant, gentle nudge of the Spirit reminding me: *You are here to help them.*

The Spirit Doesn't Wait for Us to Be Perfect

What was so beautiful in the video, and what I found so encouraging, was the immediate welcome. People, even when language was a barrier, were ready to connect. They didn't wait for me to be fluent in Dutch; they used English, however choppy, just to make sure I felt welcome. It was a masterclass in discipleship right there!

It made me think about our own mission prep, or even just our daily efforts as Internet missionaries. We often focus so much on mastering the *technique*—the perfect talk track, the flawless scripture citation, the smooth transition from a Book Club discussion to a personal testimony. And that’s vital. We need to be diligent in our studies and our training.

But sometimes, the most important thing we can carry into the field, or into a challenging conversation, is that sense of humble, open-hearted readiness. The feeling that, regardless of what we *think* we know, the Lord is interested in the people right in front of us.

A Little Skill to Carry Forward

If there’s one skill I want to pass on to my fellow rogue disciples, it’s this: When you feel overwhelmed by the unfamiliar—whether it's a new culture, a difficult question, or a complex doctrine—don't try to solve it all at once. Instead, pause, remember the feeling of being called, and focus on the next small act of kindness or the next simple question you can ask.

This reminds me of how we use our tools here on Sovereign.ink. When a member brings a tough question to Davee, he doesn't just give an answer; he guides the member through the *process* of investigation. He helps us learn how to ask the right follow-up questions, which is exactly what we need to do when we encounter someone who is skeptical or confused.

We are all disciples everywhere, all the time. Sometimes we need to be the ones who help someone else feel that initial sense of awe and belonging, even if we are the ones who are feeling a little lost ourselves.

I invite you to take a moment today to reflect on a time you felt completely out of your element, but somehow, you felt perfectly placed. What was the feeling? What did the Spirit whisper?

If you want to practice channeling that feeling of readiness, I highly recommend diving into the latest readings on the Iron Rod. It’s a wonderful way to refresh our testimonies before our next big gathering. And if you’re looking for a place to discuss these feelings of calling, check out the HolyPlaces for a Book Club—it’s a wonderful way to study scripture alongside others!