Last email....

I look forward to seeing you all soon. I love you so very much. As far as how the week goes, if we could go to a temple session on Friday or something that would be great. I don't think I will feel like doing much on Wednesday other than greeting family and friends. 

I don't really know what to say. Recently I have really began to see and understand how merciful the Lord's hand has been throughout the course of my life. Even when I did not deserve it one bit, he was there. There to stop me from doing something really stupid, there to guide me and lift me in times of need. He was always in my mission. From the time I started my mission papers, he knew what he was doing. And for the past two years he has been everything to and for me. Words can't even begin to describe how deeply grateful I am for him and his watchful care. It makes absolutely no sense. Why would he care so much? Why would he try so hard for someone like me? What an exhilarating blessing it has been to teach the imperfect about the Father's perfect plan. He did and does care, he did and does try so hard because I am his son. I hope I will never forget that.

As I was thinking about this the other day the lyrics of an old Janice Kapp Perry song that I hadn't heard in years came to mind,

Dear Lord who blesses us with love
Please send this day thy spirit from above
As this thy son, accepts a call from thee
Help him we pray to learn humility
Direct his footsteps everyday
And keep him ever walking in thy ways
Inspire him as he spreads the gospel plan
Lord, hold him in the hollow of thy hand
In the hollow of thy hand as he grows from boy to man
Help his understanding deepen and increase
In the hollow of thy hand as he grows from boy to man
Let him know the special blessing of thy peace

I will be forever changed and grateful for being kept safely in the hollow of his hand and hope to be safe there always.

I love you more than you will ever know and can't wait to see you Wednesday. 

Until then,

Elder Backus