So That We May Fill Those Expectations

Dear President and Sister Baird,

You have asked all the missionaries to write some life-changing experiences that we are grateful for. 

I remember once when I was in high school.  I was walking down the hall next to the lunch room when I saw a poorly aimed pop bottle on the floor next to the garbage.  As I came closer, I thought to myself, “I should pick that up.”  But my next thought was “Oh, it’s OK, it doesn’t matter.”  As I stepped over it, I realized my heart sunk a little, but I kept going.  

It was only 8 steps later that I heard a voice say, “Hoyt!”  I turned around to find Coach Kelley with the bottle in his hand.  He simply said, “Hoyt, I expected more of you.”

Those words have never left me.  It was in that moment I realized that people had expectations for me.  This caused me to ponder.  I thought instantly about the expectations God has for me and my heart began to sink.  It was from this moment I realized that God loves us.  

I came to learn that God has given us expectations so that we can grow and reach our full potential.  I testify that God loves us so much that he has sent his son Jesus Christ to accomplish the Atonement on our behalf,  so that we may fill those expectations.  These things I testify in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Thank you, President and Sister Baird, for your love.  I can feel it and it strengthens me.  Thank you for having me in Toyohashi with Elder Cruz and Elder Pearson.  I love them and am so grateful for them.  Thank you for all you do.

Love, Elder Hoyt H. Freeman