Thoughts at Aaron’s missionary farewell

23 May 1999

When I was 19, I knew nothing about the gospel.

Aaron is 19, and he has had a testimony for so long that he probably doesn’t remember obtaining one.

When I was 19, I had never read the scriptures.  Aaron has read the Book of Mormon numerous times.

My world was dark.  Everything and everyone was corrupt.  I was depressed.  There was no hope.

Aaron’s world is full of light.  He’s happy.  He’s surrounded by good things and good people.  He has purpose and a bright future.  He knows that he’s a person of value and promise, and that he can make a difference in the world.

He is so lucky.  He is such a rarity in the world.  He and the other LDS youth probably don’t stop to think that they’re so rare and so special that the whole world is depending upon them.

The vast majority of the people in the world are like 19-year-old me.  Their world is dark.  There are problems and corruption everywhere they turn.  There is no hope.  The only glimmer of light in their worlds comes from the Aarons, Anthonies, Brians, Justins, Tias, Tonyas, Kristins, Andreas, and the LDS next-door neighbor or co-worker that comes into their lives.

And I’m not exaggerating.