A reason for the season...

Friday evening Dec 3rd was The Nativity Display presented at our Ward in Bonham.  I have mixed emotions about this event.  I have excuses, and down at the root of it all I realized my reason was this, I felt this was one of my Mother's activities.  I did not want to be drawn into it without her.  It is a labor of love that the women of our ward prepare for.  For all the aches and pains I know they feel, it is worth their efforts.  I have doubted that factoid for several years.  Now I am not going to say a miracle happened, or I had a religious experience.  But I did meet a man this year.  I saw into his heart what this event means to him and his wife.  They have been coming for the past 2-3 years.  They look forward to this event as the beginning of their season.  They live a mile or so North of the church building and have even added to their yard decorations for this occasion.  Here was our short conversation...

Him: I was born a Methodist you know young lady.  Me: Well so was I!  Him: And now here you are serving up some of this tasty Mormon juice (white grape juice and ginger ale).  Me: Yep here I am.  Him: Well I guess there is either help for me, or you!  Me: What did you think of the Cantata and the Exhibit?  Him: This is proof you folks are good people.  And that is good enough for me.  Can I call you friend?  How come I have never seen you here before?  And why don't you smile?

As the refreshment line got longer and busier, I realized I was not smiling.  And he made me smile.  I caught a bit of his spirit.  The love he had for our Savior and the celebration of his birth was warming.  And made the little flame in my heart strengthen.  He came thru the line about 2 more time for the juice, and a little more chatter.  I don't remember his name.  But I do remember his smile.  And it warmed my heart.  I guess that was the miracle.  I realized I had let my heart grow a little to cold toward this event and my reasons are shameful.  I know they are considering not having next year, but I am praying that they do.  And I will be the first to put my name on the list of volunteers.

Sunday Dec 5th was the Christmas Devotional presented by The First Presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.  I have also avoided going to this meeting as well for the past 4 years because it was a painful reminder of my Mother not being here.  But with a warmer heart and a fresh outlook on this season I felt like there was message for me to hear.  I was planning on going by myself.  But the Handsome Husband  made sure to get me there.  And he was happy to accompany me.  It was a message I felt was written just for me, and here is why...(it is 12 minutes long, but please take the time to listen, it is non-denominational, a message for everyone)


Any Church leader that can convey to how to look at this season with a New Set of Eyes, is pretty cool. 

Comments

Jessica said…
I'm so glad you enjoyed the Cantata this year!
Renee Campbell said…
Dee thanks so much for sharing that awesome story!

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