Elder Lee Richan

Friday, June 10, 1977

Ise City, Mie Prefecture, Japan

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From “The Life of Myself” ongoing journal entries by R. Lee Richan, age 22 years 8 months, junior companion

Full-time two-year Missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Written Friday, 10 June 1977, 17:00~17:30 (Day 140 of 667) Ise city, Mie prefecture, Japan

   Where the tell‑tale blue pen began on this page, I began writing on a train going home to Ise. I should be explaining are those colors on the post few pages — simply, I ran out of an ink refill and borrowed pens from different people to continue writing today as I didn't want to forget all my thoughts. 

  Today we had six speakers talk for about 30 minutes each until President Kenji Tanaka, who spoke for about an hour in order to complete the talk he started last night. This program is given through the Holy Ghost and is designed to answer the questions of the investigator before the questions even get to their lips. Our words are merely vehicles to get the ideas across, as the real message is given by the wings of the Spirit. I'll try to write more on it later, after I have tried it once or twice. 

  This President Tanaka is the closest man I have ever known. Closest to the Lord, that is. He really does receive revelation and we were privileged to hear him today. 

  Now I wish to share an idea that I heard at the conference. The basic theme was that we will become the people that we are on our missions. In other words, our missions will set the tone for the rest of our lives. 

  Now when I heard that, I thought: What kind of person do I want to become after my mission? 

  Firstly, someone totally devoted to the Lord. Enduring to the end is a requisite, as all the preparation I will do so would come to naught, should I not endure. 

  Next, I’d like to become a straight and strong person— much like companion Elder Scott Evans. He doesn't trifle with sin to any degree and is mentally and physically strong. That is another area — to stay (or rather become, then stay) in great physical health. Too many problems are associated with fat. 

   Also, I’d like to stay happy through continued cooperation with companions. Whether missionary or married, a fight merely weakens a relation. The diplomatic way of solving problems is delightful. Better yet, to avoid these unnecessary conflicts is the best way. Life is too short to go on with disputes. 

  For example, if this (.) dot represented our 70-year lifespan, and to the left as far away as the moon and to the right as far as way as to the sun, our life is a very, very small period. Then tell me on that dot the significance of that one fight you had the other day. Sort of insignificant when you see how big everything really is, huh? 

  Now that I have decided just how I want to be off my mission, in preparation, the question is what must I do now to get a running start? Yup, develop these talents through perfecting the association with my companion. 

  I must learn much of it now or be satisfied with less in life.