From YA Weekly
So, You Just Got Home from Your Mission. Now What?
A letter to the overwhelmed, recently returned missionary.
Dear friend,
Congratulations on finishing your mission! I’m so proud of you and your service to the Lord.
Now that you’re home, you might be wondering, “Now what?” Things have changed—your family members are older, pop culture has moved on, and most importantly, you are a new person because of your mission.
When I got home from my mission, I felt overwhelmed at the thought of figuring out what was next for me. But after being home for almost five years, I’ve learned a few things about adjusting to post-mission life that I hope will help you.
Avoid Falling into Old Habits
There’s a lot to adjust to, but I would suggest that you avoid jumping back into old worldly habits like excessive media use. After a social media fast, I sometimes reward myself by overindulging in it.
You might be tempted to do the same with other media after returning home. It’s understandable, but your mission taught you the importance of being conscientious about your time and doing things that help you stay close to God. Don’t let all of that fade away just because you have access to your phone again.
Keep up the spiritually strengthening habits you’ve learned, like studying your scriptures and praying often. Your study time might not look the same as it did on your mission, but it can still be powerful and meaningful. President Steven J. Lund, Young Men General President, said, “We can find spiritual confidence and peace as we nurture holy habits and righteous routines that can sustain and fuel the fires of our faith.”
Keep Serving
You’ve just finished a consecrated period of service, and it can be difficult to find a sense of purpose once you get home. President M. Russell Ballard (1928-2023) reminded us: “When you are released from your mission, remember that you are not released from activity in the Church. Build upon the good habits you learned on your mission, continue to strengthen your testimony, work hard, pray, and be obedient to the Lord. Honor the covenants you have made. Continue to bless and serve others.”
So don’t lose your momentum! Keep serving—ask your bishop for a calling, consider serving as a temple worker, or look for ways to serve in your home, ward, or community. Your mission helped prepare you for a lifetime of service to the Lord.
Seek Out Good Friends and Mentors
Next, you should make sure to seek out good friends who will help you adjust to post-mission life while staying true to the gospel. Your old friends might be in different stages of life, so you might feel like you have to start over with making friends. But this can be a good opportunity—your choice of friends impacts your life more than you may realize. Find those who will help you continue living the gospel.
A mentor—a bishop, teacher, or parent—can also help guide you. Find someone who is more knowledgeable than you and learn from them, whether it be in the gospel, the career you’re interested in, or a hobby you enjoy. Most people will be happy to share their knowledge with you, and the lessons they teach can become some of the greatest tools in life. You’ll be blessed by their mentorship, and they’ll be blessed for sharing their knowledge.
Exercise Faith and Be Intentional
Finally, be intentional about where you place your faith. President Russell M. Nelson taught, “Everything good in life—every potential blessing of eternal significance—begins with faith.”
I’ve chosen to place my faith in God, who offers me eternal joy. As I’ve made intentional choices to draw closer to God, I’ve felt His power in even greater ways than what I experienced on my mission.
Remember, you are loved and you can do this! As you exercise faith in Heavenly Father, He will show you joy beyond your comprehension. You may think you’ve seen all that God can do for you, but I promise you, you haven’t seen anything yet.
Love,
Henry