Funny how one picture can evoke so many emotions. . .

This is my dear friend, Nathan Bridges. He is currently serving a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Rancagua, Chile.
I recently learned that Nathan performed his first baptism about a three weeks ago. Seeing this picture caused about a thousand emotions to go through my heart at once:
Happiness, because I know he is out there serving the Lord and doing such amazing things with his life.
Pride (the good kind!) and admiration, because I know that he has worked so hard to get to where he is now.
Gratitude, because I know the Lord's work progresses through strong, dedicated young missionaries like him in such a way that brings so many people unto the truths of the Gospel that I know and love.
And even a little bit of that bittersweet kind of sadness, because I miss him.
But the bottom line is, I am grateful for worthy Priesthood holders in my life who are such wonderful examples to me. They truly possess the power to perform the Lord's will here on earth.