Are Missions Really the Best?

Why are missions the best?
"Missions are the greatest thing ever!" Is a cliche saying that all returned missionaries say. So do I believe it when I too exclaim it, or am I just saying it because that's what I've heard repeated over the years?

I can see where people are coming from when they make this claim, because I did have some really good moments on my mission. There were moments when I felt the Spirit testifying truth as we taught lessons. I felt the love that Heavenly Father must feel for all His children. I met some amazing people and forged lasting friendships because of the 9 months I spent in Alabama serving the Lord. But 6 out of those 9 months were extremely difficult for me. I entered the field and did not have a clue as to what I was doing. I followed my trainer around like a scared bunny rabbit because I didn't want to say or do the wrong thing. I didn't have the confidence or the courage to speak boldly like my trainer did. When I was transferred and given a new companion, speaking still did not come easily to me, although it did to her and I wasn't given many opportunities to become better at it. The same thing happened with my next companion. The one after, however, was heaven sent. My fourth companion was the sweetest ever and helped my confidence to grow because she simply loved me and believed in me. She went out of her way to serve me, as did the companion after that.

I had some miserable moments on my mission, times when I didn't know if I was good enough to be out there claiming the things that I did. I didn't have the confidence to do the work as I felt I ought. I was discouraged and didn't want to be out there. But because I was, I became a better person. I was brought so low, that I had to turn to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. I began to understand the enabling power of the Atonement, because boy did I need it. It was a daily struggle to get up and going in the morning, and I know it was only because of Him that I could do it. I was given a deeper understanding and love for God's children. These are two of the things that I carry with me today. My confidence has grown, and even though it takes some nose dives on some days, I know who I can turn to to help me out.

So yes,  I was miserable 6 out of the 9 months I served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. But I was also the happiest I've ever been. Missions really are the best.