What would be hard for you to give up for two years?

Tanner wants me to mention to you all that he is a wonderful guitarist.  He practices faithfully each and every day.  He is starting to improve bit by bit.  I am afraid he will lose any skills he has gained in the next two years as he will not be allowed to practice guitar while serving his mission.  As we get closer to his departure date I have realized just how much he is giving up to serve a mission.

1.  He won't be able to watch the last movie of Harry Potter 7 (or any movie for that matter).
2.  He won't be able to keep up to date on any world affairs and current events. (this is a huge sacrifice for Tanner, it is his passion to keep up to date on world affairs)
3.  He won't be able to read any books, except the four approved by his mission president which are Our Heritage, Jesus The Christ, True to the Faith, (and another that we can't remember at the moment but Tanner is to lazy to go downstairs and check for me) (This also is a HUGE sacrifice for him.  He greatest passion and love is reading.)
4.  He won't  be able to call his mom or skype his mom any time he wants!! (This is a huge sacrifice for him because he loves his mom!)
5. He won't be able to sleep in or stay up all night writing his blog.  (His blog is his life, it is a very serious blog and he has a great following around the world, as he blogs about current affairs)
6.  He is giving up school.  (He loves to learn and is a very dedicated student)

The list could go on and on....He is giving up his next two years, to live a life, dedicated to serving our Heavenly Father as he teaches and testifies of Christ.  I hope you all think of Tanner the next time someone knocks on your door and there is a missionary standing there, please invite them in and listen to what message they have to give to you, they are far from home and give up much to bring a message to you of hope and love.  All the missionaries are sons or daughters of someone like me.  The mothers and fathers are home praying that their kids are safe, feed, and being treated kindly while they are on the Savior's errand.

I am sure Tanner feels like what he will get in return for his sacrifice far out ways what he will miss for two years, otherwise he wouldn't be doing it. I also feel like I will receive blessings as we send our oldest child on a mission.   But knowing that it is the right thing to do doesn't make it easy.

I am grateful for sacrifice.  It brings us closer to our Heavenly Father.