Communication 1-love between companions

Communication.

Yes, I learned a lot about communication on my mission. I can't even begin to describe how much I learned and am still learning. It's amazing.

When you are with someone 24/7 there are bound to be quirks and things that may or may not bug you. I learned a lot about how much of the tension can be reduced if we but communicate our feelings to one another.

One of my companions was always very open and honest with me. We got along very well. Why? I think a lot of it had to do with being honest and straightforward with each other. If something was bugging us, we told the other immediately. We would explain why we felt the way we did, the other may explain why they do/did what they did, and an understanding would come. Improvements weren't always made immediately, but because there was an understanding, there was love. There was always love. I never questioned my companion's love for me. We were trying to become better as well as help each other become better. That shows love.

Another thing that helped us out was that compliments were given frequently. Sometimes we worry that if we get compliments a lot that they won't mean as much to us. The compliments themselves will seem less sincere. I found out that this wasn't true for our case. Often the same compliments were given "you are so awesome!" or "You are a great teacher!" and such. These compliments were often just another way that we would say "I love you" to each other.

We also communicated through service to each other. These were often very small acts that only took a minute or two to do. But they were always greatly appreciated and treasured. There were many times I would find little notes on my desk or in my journal or somewhere else random. They were often simple, but they meant the world to me. Other times we sang each other to sleep at night. What a great blessing! How calming a lullaby can be! Especially through the stressful times of being a missionary in the middle of winter. These, and other little things we did for each other, carried the message of love on a much bigger scale.

And last, but definitely not least, we listened to one another. There were many times when one of us would be struggling with something or would have a question on our minds. Many times these issues may have seemed too big or too personal to share with someone. But as we began to trust one another, we began to share more often. When we really listened with a loving and caring heart, our trust grew. Deep conversations were common. Changes that may have took us years and years to accomplish were pointed out and tackled together more quickly. We supported one another in our goals. We reminded each other of our hearts' desires. We received revelation through listening and sharing with one another. What an amazing blessing.

Because we loved each other, we acted like it. Because we acted like it, we loved each other more and more. Our patience with each other increased. Our charity increased. Our compassion and kindness increased. Our skills in one on one conversations increased. Our spirituality increased. Our love increased and it was amazing.

I believe that you can have a similar experience, whether it be with a missionary companion, close friend, or spouse. When both of you are committed to the Lord and becoming a better person, as well as helping the other find and follow their own path to come closer to the Lord, your love for each other will increase and bloom. It's an amazing thing. Note that I said to help them find and follow their own path to come closer, not make them or force them to be on your path. That is vital.

I know that Jesus Christ is my Savior. I know that Heavenly Father is always mindful of us. He has put us in each others' lives for a purpose. We can learn so much from each experience we have, there doesn't have to be such a thing as a bad experience- it's just an experience that stretched our limits and helped us grow in a way we may have not been too fond of. :)

I love you all. Have a wonderful day!