Missing the Point..

When I was younger, I made THE LIST in Young Women's.

Y'know, the list that contains everything I want/need in a husband.

At the very tippy tip top was always "RM".

Ahhhhh, yes; Returned Missionary, of course.

BUT WAIT--I've come to a realization.

Going on a mission doesn't mean what it used to.

Giving up 2 years of their lives to go forth and serve

doesn't promise a type of young man when the time's up.

I have seen, in my recent days/months/years,

that simply going on a mission doesn't qualify someone as a good person.

Or even a religious, ethical, high-standards-seeking person!

And this observation has caused a passionate opinion to form..

Don't do it.

Don't go through the temple; don't serve a mission.

Honestly, if you're going to defile the sacred clothing & come home excited to be "of the world" instead of simply "in the world"...DON'T GO.

I have lost so much respect for so many "RM"s who act worst than people that didn't go on a mission! Seriously? What did you do for those 2 years?

And if you truly were invested in the work & service...did you forget it so quickly?

I feel like a lot of pre/post missionaries are missing the point;

A mission isn't "I'm going to be really good for 2 years, then party when I come home."

Its, "I'm going to go on a mission to prepare to come home a better and changed person."

The mission is only the BEGINNING of a monumental change in person, character, actions, etc.

Don't get me wrong, I want there to be missionaries. There's nothing I love more (that's sort of an exaggeration; there's plenty of things I love more: food, air, water, Jersey Shore) than seeing missionaries walking together on a sidewalk in Provo, Utah.

But if you're going to come home, and not live your life worthy to bear the garments you continue to wear, (because let's be honest, that's what all the girls will be hoping are peeking out of your sleeves/neck) DON'T DO IT.

You're not just defying the sacred apparel, you're defying the church.

It's sad; they're missing the point.

And frankly, I fear the good, worthy, list-approved man is becoming extinct.