Do you remember?

This morning, as we were having our companionship study, Elder Collett and I started Preach My Gospel from page one.  We opened to find those big red letters, "What is my Purpose as a Missionary?" 
As we started reading, we didn't get too far before Elder Collett stopped, thoughtfully, and shared a flashback he had just experienced to the time before his mission.  When he had read that page in a Mission Prep class, he couldn't understand what it was saying, and he felt out of place among his classmates, all of whom seemed to know much much more than him. At least, that's how he felt.  He then shared how different he felt now, over a year later, and how much he had grown since then.
 We continued on this vein for the rest of the study, pondering the past, and appreciating how much we'd changed and grown since.

 Who doesn't enjoy a good stroll down memory lane?  We remarked on how, usually, we tend to remember the good things, while the bad tend to fade away.  We don't remember every time we were embarrassed, yelled at, or heartbroken, but we do tend to remember the good times, be it with family, friends, or relationships.
 These perambulations through the past often serve a valuable purpose too.  When I think of all my past fears, worries, weaknesses, and trials, I can see now how they have shaped me into a better, brighter, stronger, more grateful Elder Williams today.

 So take a moment to reflect on how far you have come.  Where were you ten years ago?  How have you changed?  How have you stayed the same?
 Remember where you've come from, and it will guide you to where you want to be.