God is Still in Charge

The Christmas season is over. The welcoming lights on the neighbor's homes and throughout the community have gone out leaving a sense of darkness and even a little gloom. The house once dressed in it's holiday refinery now looks bare and empty. All the decorations are packed up and in put away in the attic....that is, except for the last few things I missed like the mistletoe ball that hung over the hall doorway and the balls that I found behind the chair that had fallen off the tree.

Well, there is also the table decoration that I found at an after holiday sale for 75% off and the cute Christmas tree molds that I found at the grocery store for $.25 that are the perfect size to make tree-shaped Rice Krispie treats next year. I just couldn't pass up those bargains. So there will be one more trip up to the attic.

There is always something a little sad when this season ends. Although I have to admit that I miss some of the "fluff" and even the "trappings" of Christmas...the lights and decorations, the shopping and crafting to have gifts for those I love, and the carols of Christmas being played everywhere you go. But what I miss the most is who I become at this special time of year. I become more thoughtful, more patient, more kind and considerate, more sensitive to the needs of others, less caught up in myself, more outgoing and comfortable with initiating a conversation with a stranger in a long checkout line, more excited about seeing family, more time spent trying to become closer to my Savior and trying to truly understand and appreciate His great sacrifice in my behalf, and more time trying to become like Him. Although this is who I should be and who I want to be all the time, it is so easy to slide back to old routines and old habits... to succumb to my "carnal" state with all its' temptations, inhibitions, and weaknesses. No wonder I feel a little depressed after Christmas.

I was so impressed this year by the many acts of thoughtfulness and service by so many of the family. You have really set the example as to what Christmas is all about. Many of you instead of giving gifts to those of us who are already blessed with SO much, have given to those of God's children who are really in need. And I know there are those of you who have done the same thing quietly in your own way. We as a family are so blessed in that none that I am aware of is without work or struggling just to survive in this time of economic stress. This coming year is going to be a challenge for all of us in one way or another. But with the love and support of family and the love and support of our Heavenly Father we all will be OK.

I Love You, Mom

Today has been a day of reflection and sweet memories.  My thoughts have been of my mother who would have been  100 years old today had she lived.  But her life ended fifty-five years ago, just five months after I was married.  And that was ten years longer than the doctor had predicted because of her badly damaged heart.  It was her strong faith, her love of family, and her desire to see her four children safely raised and taught correct principles that kept her alive, or so her doctor said.  She trusted that job to no one else.  And although it always bothered her that she was physically unable to care for many of our physical needs, she was an incredible teacher and lived what she taught.  She was always my exemplar and role model.

Mom loved the Lord and His gospel.  Her testimony never wavered throughout her years of illness.  She was willing to accept His will regarding her life, but always prayed that she could live long enough to finish her role as a mother.  Mom lived to see two of her daughters married to worthy men in the temple and the third engaged to marry a returned missionary.  She knew and approved of all our chosen companions.  But she died when my little brother (her only son) was just fourteen years old.  It was very difficult for him, but she had taught and prepared him well.  He married in the temple to a wonderful girl (Mom would have loved her), was a stake president for nine years, served a mission with his wife in England, and today is a Patriarch. Mom would have been so proud of him.

Thanks, Mom, for all you taught me and for all you sacrificed for me.  I know now how hard  your life must have been...how much more you would have liked to do for your family.  But you did everything that really matters in this life.  You taught me love of my Savior and love of His restored church.  You taught me to pray in faith and to expect answers.  You taught me integrity, service, how to work, and how to sacrifice.  You taught me who I am and what I could become.  You taught me patience and long suffering.  And you taught me how to be a loving wife and mother.  I like to think that somehow you had an influence there in Heaven in sending down the very best of Heavenly Father's waiting spirit children to our home, because we certainly got the best. You would just love them all. 

I can just imagine you now, young, beautiful, healthy, and enjoying the work you were unable to do on earth.  You always wanted to do missionary work with your dad, and I bet you are a dynamic duo in Paradise.  And I know you are happy to be reunited with Dad, with your mom and all your siblings.  And how special that you have one of your daughters with you as well.  (I miss you, too, Georgia.)    

I love you, Mom.  You were the best!  I only hope that you are proud of me...that I have lived up to your expectations.  Happy 100th birthday.