When the Unexpected Hits: Finding the Spirit in the Mess

Brothers and sisters, if you’ve ever been in the thick of it—whether it was a mission call, a tough family move, or just a plain bad stomach day—you know that life rarely unfolds according to the perfect itinerary we map out. We read about the covenant path, we study the scriptures, we prepare our hearts, and we feel that wonderful, steady current of the Spirit guiding us toward the temple and the covenant.

But then, life throws you a salad, and suddenly, you’re dealing with food poisoning, a messy sink, and the overwhelming feeling of ‘What now?’

I watched a little snippet of a family vlog recently—a very real, very messy depiction of sickness and change. It was a powerful reminder that the sacred work doesn't always happen in a quiet, perfectly lit room. Sometimes, the most profound lessons in discipleship happen when we are literally cleaning up a mess.

The Discipleship in the Disarray

When I was in the field, I remember a time when our assigned area was undergoing some unexpected upheaval—a local festival was canceled, and our planned meeting spot was inaccessible. We felt a dip, a little bit of discouragement creeping in. It felt like the Spirit was whispering, “Plan B, or maybe Plan C, or maybe just… be present.”

It struck me then, watching that video, that the principle is the same. Sickness, setbacks, or just the sheer logistics of moving—these aren't detours *from* the work; they *are* the work. They are the proving grounds for our commitment to Christ.

Think about it: When Lizzy gets sick, the focus isn't on the salad; it's on care, on patience, on the gentle reminders to clean up, and on the unwavering support from the family. That’s the gospel in action. That’s what we are called to be for our investigators, for our struggling companions, and for our own families.

A Bite-Sized Mission Prep Skill: The Art of the Pivot

As we strive to be effective internet missionaries, we often feel the pressure to have the perfect answer for every tough question. But today, let’s focus on the 'Pivot.' When a conversation hits a snag—when the investigator changes the subject, or when they ask a question you haven't prepped for—don't panic. Take a breath. Instead of scrambling for a doctrinal answer, pivot back to the core testimony. A simple, sincere, “What I really want you to know today is that Jesus Christ loves you,” can reset the conversation better than any perfectly rehearsed answer.

It’s about being present enough to see the need, and humble enough to speak the truth as you see it, even when the setting is chaotic.

Finding the Light in the Waiting

The vlog ended with the excitement of the future—getting back, getting settled, and even planning for a Christmas tree. It’s that persistent forward momentum, even when the present moment is messy, that sustains us. We are always moving toward the day we can gather Israel, and we are always moving toward the day we can stand in the temple and feel the Spirit wash over us.

If you’re feeling weary, if your own 'salad' has upset your day, I encourage you to find a sacred space to process it. Have you checked out the HolyPlaces? Sometimes, sitting with others who are also trying to build their temple of knowledge, whether through a Book Club or a Bible Study Group, helps restore that sense of divine order.

And for those of us who love digging deeper into the scriptures, I highly recommend revisiting the teachings on covenant keeping. If you haven't, check out some of the recent Isaiah studies available in LivingBook. Sometimes, seeing the pattern of covenant faithfulness through the ages helps us see our own present struggles as temporary, manageable steps on a glorious journey.

Remember, every member can be a disciple anywhere, all the time. Let's take the messiness of our current lives—the sickness, the moving, the unexpected—and use it to deepen our reliance on the Savior. He is always there, even when the sink is involved.