We just flew out to Salt Lake City, and, boy are our arms tired! We just couldn’t catch the thermals! Yeah, I know, old joke, but hey, I’m a senior missionary — and a Dad. While flying over Denver, Roswell and Albuquerque showed up on the horizon map. I guess I never appreciated how far one can see at 38,000 feet. Of course, that’s above sea level. It’s only about 32,720 feet above downtown Denver. Weirdly, the flight tracker only showed a horizon map for the left side of the plane, not the right. I checked on the screen across the aisle, and sure enough, it showed only the right side horizon map. So, what you are shown depends on the side of the plane you’re sitting on. But they both show the horizon map out the front of the plane. I personally wish they showed all four — fore, aft, port and starboard.


If you spend much time around members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints you will notice that we often call each other by titles that are not always commonly used by others. In our general interactions at church, while we do call each other by first names, it is also common to address each other by “Brother” or “Sister” followed by our family name: “Hello, Brother Morgenegg”, “How are you today, Sister Holmgren?” I’m not sure of all of the historical details why this became the custom, but I find it to be an enjoyable one. As I see it, it is both a sign of respect and endearment. It reflects that not only are we all children of God, and members of the family of Christ, but also expresses an intimacy in our shared commitment to Him.


Beyond these two titles, we may also address some members according to their current callings. For example, it is proper to refer to Bishop Jesperson, President Nelson, or Elder Holland, out of respect for the ecclesiastical position in which one is serving. “Sister” and “President” serves the same function when addressing the women who are serving in specific callings. These titles often hold over from past callings based on how you might have served a person at one time, especially as a bishop, stake president or mission president. I am still frequently called Bishop Daniel by those who I served as their bishop years ago.


Since Stephanie and I have been called and set apart as missionaries, we will mostly be addressed as Sister Daniel and Elder Daniel. In this case, it is in recognition of the special assignment we have to represent the Lord Jesus Christ as dedicated messengers of the Gospel. We will wear name tags to that effect wherever we go. During my earlier mission as a 22 year old, I found the name tag (badge) to be a personal reminder of my purpose, a help in focusing me on the work, and an automatic introduction to people. Think about it. When you see a missionary on the street or in a store, with their name tag introducing them to you, don’t you already know something about them? You at least know that they are open to, even hoping for, a conversation about religious topics with you! Consider taking the invitation to explore ideas together and learn a little about what motivates young and old alike to dedicate years away from home to serve others. You may find it both an eye-opening and enjoyable experience.


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