Set Apart

Last night, Bryson was set apart as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

It was such a bittersweet experience. Of course, there is nothing I'd rather see him do for the next two years than serve a mission, but man, am I going to miss him.

President Jerry Burton set him apart and while I can't write the blessing, there were certain pieces I just want to remember. President Burton blessed Bryson with, what I have started to assume were normal missionary setting apart things, and then suddenly everything was so personal.

He blessed Bryson to have sense of connection when he feels alone, and reminded him that he can pray and be instantly connected to what matters most. He told Bryson he would have times where he would feel alone and literally would be on an island in the middle of nowhere, but that he could find strength through prayer. It made my heart hurt to think that he'll feel so alone at times, but I know the counsel given was inspired, and I hope it will be a comfort to Bryson while he's on his mission, and throughout the rest of his life.

He blessed Bryson to be a leader and help establish the correct roles of Priesthood Leadership in the areas that he will serve. He told him to not be ashamed of how much he knows about how the Gospel works and how leadership roles should be fulfilled. I'm sure he will be a great leader. Bryson is such a smart guy. I'm sure the people he teaches will be blessed by his example of how things should be done.

He also mentioned that Bryson came from a rich heritage of missionary service, but admonished him to not compare himself to his brothers' missions. I found this to be so specific and so personal. All of us siblings are competitive, and it was interesting to hear those words from a worthy Priesthood leader. I'm glad he reminded us to not compare ourselves with one another. We are each different and unique and wonderful, and we shouldn't compare ourselves.

He blessed Bryson to have great relationships with his companions. He mentioned that he would have many companions who would be natives from the land and that he would be blessed to serve with them.

He also blessed Bryson with the gift of tongues - that his intellect would be quickened and that he would be able to quickly learn the things he needed to in order to communicate with those around him. I know Bryson has been worried about the language situation in his mission. There are 5 languages spoken on the islands, and he's not learning any of them in the MTC. I'm so grateful that his blessing included this, and I hope that it helped put Bryson's mind at ease and give him the calm, peaceful feeling that everything will be alright.

The most touching moment in the blessing was when President Burton plead with the Lord to keep Bryson safe. He was overcome with emotion, and the spirit was so strong in the room. He blessed Bryson in his travels from island to island and in all that he did that he would be watched over and protected. I don't doubt that God will keep him safe, but it made my mind wonder what situations my little brother would be put in to endure. I've always prayed for the safety of my missionaries, but I think sometimes it just became habit... "Please bless that the missionaries will be safe and find people to teach the Gospel to..." but this blessing, this prayer to the Lord, asking and pleading with Him to keep Bryson safe - it changed my thinking. Everyday I will pray for him, in earnest, with sincere, not habitual words. Please keep my little brother safe. Please give him the strength he needs to overcome that which is placed in front of him. Please don't let him get caught in the winds and the waves, or earthquakes, or tsunamis. Please, please, keep him safe.

Bryson is already an amazing missionary. He's embarking on an incredible adventure. And I can't wait to hear about it and watch him grow even more. Godspeed, my little bro.

And Father, please keep him safe.