We have now been in this house one year. Can you believe that! It has always felt like 'home' to me. Amazingly, after spending 30 years at 1365 North 4000 West I have not missed that house. It is a house, I brought my home with me! I definitely have not missed the yard or the 'beautiful' clay soil! I have loved living in town and have felt that this was the right choice for Scott and I at this time period in our lives. But what I have missed.......the wonderful people of Sutherland 2nd Ward! I have had a difficult time transitioning to a new ward. It has absolutely nothing to do with the people here in Delta 5th Ward. I did loathe the old church bldg. though and am very grateful for the brand new beautiful one we now enjoy. Though I am no longer within walking distance. That is the only drawback! But, back to the story that I am getting at. I was asked to speak at the Relief Society Birthday dinner. I was asked to speak on "Coming To Love One Another." Since I am employed at Delta Early Childhood Center I spend lots of time on the ABC's. I decided to entitle my talk; "The ABC's of Coming to Love One Another." I will share with you a few quotes from that talk:
A: Accept Differences "Perhaps the greatest charity comes when we are kind to each other, when we don’t judge or categorize someone else, when we simply give each other the benefit of the doubt or remain quiet. Charity is accepting someone’s differences, weaknesses, and shortcomings;" Elder Marvin J. Ashton
B: Be One Who Builds Be one who builds. Be one who nutures. Be one who has an understanding and a forgiving heart. Be one who looks for the best in people. Be one to serve by lending a hand to those who are frightened, lonely, or burdened. "Paraphased from Elder Ashton , May 92 Ensign
C: Consciously Choose Charity: Elder Ashton made this comment that I absolutely loved!‘ We often equate charity with visiting the sick, taking in casseroles to those in need, or sharing our excess with those who are less fortunate. But really, true charity is more, much, much more. True charity is not something you give away; it is something that you acquire and make a part of yourself. "Isn't he good! We are so very blessed to have the teachings of latter day Apostles to lead and guide us.
I went to the church relatively early and confined myself to a quite room to once more go over my talk. To my amazement wonderful, warm, memories of the women of Sutherland flooded my mind and the love I felt for them flooded my heart. I knew those women. I knew their struggles, trials, difficulties. I knew their weaknesses, faults, and shortcomings. The Lord had granted me an entrance to their hearts and when I entered there I recognized I was standing on holy ground. I was changed. The peek into the window of their soul took away all judgement and left in its place love and understanding. I do believe it is time to say good-bye (finally!) to Sutherland 2nd Ward and embrace Delta Fifth. It only expands the heart to include more women. It is time for expanding.
Just checking this out.
ReplyDeleteWish we had all been there. Your mom is an inspiring speaker and we would have all benefited from the experience. Gotta love that ma of ours! Wish I had an ounce of the religiosity flowing through my veins that she has. Jealous -- you betcha!
ReplyDeleteOn another note -- time will tell if she is ever able to make the transition. Your mom connected with the Sutherland Second Ward and loved those people dearly -- it's going to take time, but sounds like she's willing to give it a whirl. Who knows -- this house was part of Sutherland Second for thirty-five years -- perhaps it shall become so once again! Ask mom about her conversation with Bishop Shamo!! Quite a rush it was...
Helloooooo Matthew, Jonathan, and Ben,
ReplyDeletePerhaps you should take a page out of your father and father-in-laws book and post such sweet comments about your spouse! Laura, Melanie, and Alizabeth forward this comment to the above men in your lives!