Wearing the name tag

Today we have been thinking about our name tags.  Returned missionaries have told us how hard it is to take off the badge.  I think we are beginning to understand why.  Yesterday was our 1st P-day.  We were instructed in the MTC to wear our badges any time we leave the house, even on our P-days, so of course we do.  As missionaries we are representatives of Jesus Christ and his church and our actions are supposed to reflect that.  It is amazing how deeply that has affected us.  I find myself smiling more, going out of my way to be more kind, more helpful, and more friendly.  I know I should always be that way but somehow it just feels different now. We went to our granddaughter's volleyball games, then ran some errands to DI, Costco, and to pick up some furniture we were buying through Facebook Marketplace.   Every where we went our name tags attracted attention! At the volleyball games a member of the church we didn't know made a point to stop and talk to us.  At DI a cute worker ran up to us to tell us she had just joined the church 7 months ago.  At our 1st stop for furniture the woman made a point to tell us that there was a "Mormon" church close by and how she had friends in high school who were members of the church.  At Stake Conference a member of the Presidency went out of his way to introduce himself and welcome us to the mission.  Other members stopped to chat and ask where we were from.  At our last Facebook Marketplace stop the woman realized we were missionaries and was very excited to tell us she was "an inactive member of the church."  Knowing who I was representing, I said a quick prayer in my heart that I would say the right thing to her.  We ended up having a wonderful conversation and instant connection.  I am going to lunch with her next week to learn her story.  I think there will be power in these badges!