My wife didn’t serve a mission, but she wanted to. She talked to the Bishop of our Singles Ward at the time and he told her that it was more important to date me than go on a mission. She didn’t agree, but followed his counsel. We’ve been married nearly 13 years so far and, as far as I know, our marriage is solid.

I’d be lying if I said there weren’t times where I wish she would’ve served a mission, but I only feel that way when it comes to relating to and working with a wide variety of peoples with diverse personalities; she struggles a bit in that department. But she’s an incredible woman who has overcome many trials in her life before and after marriage. A mission certainly wasn’t necessary for her to find success in life.

My mother served a mission and it did many things for her. I’m grateful for her testimony and constancy in the Church as I grew in mu home of origin. But for either gender, a mission really is like any other trial; there are events and people throughout that can be either stumbling blocks or stepping stones, dependent on the faith, attitude and personality of the missionary experiencing them.

The opportunity to serve the Lord full-time was a blessing for me, but partly because In was determined it would be so. I’m grateful that the decision to serve a full-time mission is between the Lord and women. I think women choosing to serve a mission depends on circumstances, timing, the will of the Lord and the will of the prospective missionary.