Always Shining

While serving as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I had many profound experiences. As I rode to work in the dark of the early morning, I was reminded of one in particular.

A monthly meeting of many missionaries was being held in which I was asked to present. In the short break before my presentation, I quickly stepped outside, looked up at the sky, and returned inside. A friend saw my curious behavior and inquired what I had just done.

"I wanted to see if it was still a beautiful day and if the sun was shining so I could report it in my talk."

My friend shared a truth with me when he placed a hand on my shoulder, looked me in the eye, and said, "Elder Siler, the sun is always shining."



I've thought of this truth many times since—usually on cloudy, gloomy days, but also at times when life seems especially hard and the way is unusually dark. Recall the words of Christ:

Ye are the light of the world... Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven (Matt 5:14-16).

I am the light which ye shall hold up—that which ye have seen me do (3 Nephi 18:24).

How can I shine my light and Christ's light? Through the things I do—through my works.

I recall a few people who made a play on words with my last name and how I tried to let light shine through me as a missionary. I was dubbed Elder Smiler. I love serving the Lord, and I guess I smile when I do so.

However, if you like my smile, you've got to see my wife's!


She reminds me of the virtuous woman spoken of in Proverbs: "Her price is far above rubies" (Prov 31:10-31). Her loving smile helps me remember that the sun is always shining, and that our love is always growing.