Not sure if I should serve a full time mission

[sackings024]

lds

Edited October 18, 2012 by sackings024

[Vort]

Talk to your bishop.

In the meantime, here are some thoughts:

• Full-time missionary service is a Priesthood duty. If you hold the Priesthood at your age, you should prepare yourself to serve a mission. (And if you don't hold the Priesthood, you should prepare yourself to hold it.)
• At 23, you are still gaining your education and figuring out what you want to do. You have wasted a few years, but you have not "wasted your life".
• Consider two years of missionary service a "tithe" of your life to this point. Being 23 vs. being 25 is simply not all that big of a deal, career-wise. Yes, it puts you two years back. But in my opinion, the spiritual benefits of serving God more than make up for that.
• Don't be afraid. Exercise faith, and all things become possible, even this.

[Gargantuan]

Another option that you may consider as you counsel with your Bishop is to pray about serving a church service mission. There are multiple opportunities available for you to do that. These missions are wonderful opportunities to be a great influence in someone's life.

After you have prayerfully fasted and counseled with those who have priesthood authority over you, the Will of your Father in Heaven for you will become clear. Blessings, Gar

Edited October 16, 2012 by Gargantuan

[BadWolf]

Just something to consider; Most military jobs don't translate into jobs outside the military (many do). So myself, and most of my friends are coming out of 4-8 years of military service with no ravent work history, and no education. So most of us start school. At 22-26. Most of us not graduating until our early 30's. Some because we have families or are working and going to school part time, some who are pursuing graduate degrees. Sure, most 'college kids' are 18-22. But a LOT are 22-35 (we older students tend to advance faster in our careers, later, so that certainly helps. But even if it weren't true, we'd still go.

As I live on a school budget, I keep thinking what excellent 'training' for school AND what an education missionaries are receiving in their mission.

(LOL... Being a converted mom of a preteen boy, ya better believe Im reeeeeally looking closely at how missions work, from a pragmatic stance as well as how important holding the priesthood is)

Training is fairly obvious. Being a serious student takes quite a lot of dedication, purpose, flexibility, intent, and follow through... With next to no cash.

(Although once you're 24, you'll be able to apply for grants and student loans NOT on your parents income. I actually know a lot of non-military types who are 'killing time' until they're 24... Because their parents certain can't afford to send them, but they can't afford to go on their own until they qualify for scholarships, grants, loans, and student jobs... At 24.)

Robert Frost said, though: "Education is the abity to listen to almost anything without losing your temper or your self confidence."

As you're considering, I would suggest you look at the next 60+ years of your life, and how you want them to look... Instead of the past 4 years, and wishing they looked different. A very wise person once said 'Forgiveness is giving up all hope... Of a better past." Since your past isn't going to change, how can you start shaping your future?

[SanctitasDeo]

I have a friend who served late. He came home at 26 or 27. Great guy. He had a great mission, and he is very glad he went. There is nothing wrong with going when you are older. I would add, too, that there are a lot of blessing that come with serving a mission. That is definitely true.

[pam]

I was going to suggest what Gar mentioned. There are different kinds of missions. Such as service missions that Gar suggested. Sometimes they can even be done in your local area. Talk to the Bishop in how you can serve.

[sackings024]

Thank you everyone who has replied so far, your words have been a great help to me. Feel free to keep the advice coming, as you can see I need all the advice I can get hahaha.