Happy and Sad

We had a couple of experiences Monday that made us think for a few minutes. I will talk about the sad one first.
Monday when I came in I had an email from Pres. Olson that said that a certain Elder had decided to go home early. I was to make sure the travel plans were all arranged. Dick was asked to take the elder to the airport for his flight home. This Elder had been out for approximately two months and he decided that being a missionary was hard work and he didn't want to do it. No matter what the President said to him, his mind was made up to go home now. His flight left at noon the day before regular transfer day when Elders were normally released. I had to contact his mother to let her know that he was coming home. I never was able to reach her by phone but left word on the answering machine and by email. I thought a lot about this missionary. He was flying home to Connecticut and would arrive around midnight. I thought of his mother at the airport and perhaps no one else to greet him. I wondered how many times in my life I may have quit something just because it was hard.

To contrast this, the next day, Tuesday, was transfer day and 8 Elders and Sisters were being honorably released. Mixed feelings were abundant as they came to the office/met with the President, and shared one last hug/handshake with their companion. Then they were on their way back home. Happy/sad feelings were shared as they realized they were going home to loved ones, yet were also leaving dear friends behind.

I guess that truly is how life is. We get thrown into a test. Some of us may think the test is hard and quit, while others will continue working and have the rewards our Father offers. It was just such a stark contrast for me. I keep thinking about that missionary who quit because the work was hard. We keep his paperwork for three months or so, just in case he decides to come back. I hope he does.