Blog #22 - A Wonderful Life
Saturday we had a “Morningside” where, for a few hours. The
missionaries had a chance to gather together to celebrate this Christmas
Season. They were able to receive a gift bag, pick up packages from their
homes, listen to a spiritual message, and watch “It’s a Wonderful Life.” Naturally (this movie was born the same year
I was), most of the missionaries had not seen the movie before, and by the end
many of us were in tears. As you may know, the character George Bailey has so
much adversity that he wishes he had never been born. Clarence, an angel who is trying to earn his
wings, allows George to see how his town and family would be if he hadn’t been
born. When the movie ended, President Elledge asked for a few volunteers to
discuss how the course of their lives have been altered by the influence of
another and how things would be different if they had not come on a mission. We talked about how many lives in Bakersfield
would be much different if a particular missionary had not come in contact with
an individual to teach him/her about the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
As I’ve pondered my own life, I’ve come to believe that
influence comes in moments. Often it is the
actions or words from someone who, maybe for a moment, a season, or a year,
altered our understanding or choices, which in turn had a major impact on who
we’ve become. So often I hear converts
talk of missionaries who introduced thoughts of spiritual matters to them, and
a year or two later other missionaries met them, touched their hearts, and
brought the gospel to them. It was fun
to see the missionaries mentally process the value of their service. I know that many of them have certainly
enriched my life. I felt blessed to know
that this is a wonderful life.
This month has zoomed by.
A year ago I was so homesick that I wondered what was I thinking when we
decided to leave for 18 months. This
year I’m a bit healthier. Yes, I still
miss family, friends, and home terribly, but I’m also so grateful we are here
to have this opportunity. My family is a
family of love, hard work, fun, and traditions
– and I miss them! But -- what a
blessing it is to watch lives change before our eyes. Last night we witnessed the baptism of a
couple who has three young children. This
afternoon we went to visit a man who has been through so much, and has come so
close to dying. He joined the church
1-1/2 years ago. We’ve watched his faith
and courage as he struggles with serious illness. He loves the Lord and wants to do His
will. He has attended the temple and
does all he can to serve. Another dear
sister sang a Christmas solo today – and I’m not sure she realized before what
a beautiful voice she has. The “growth
list” is long, and I’m sure Mike and I are on it. It is a wonderful life.
And, we’ve had the blessing of some family visits, which gave
me a dose of family joy and energy.
Jaci, Justin and their family came for Thanksgiving. It was so much fun to hug and kiss those
little ones. We girls had pedicures, and
we all went to the local zoo. Then Ryan
and Hali came last weekend. They even
line danced at Buck Owen’s Crystal Palace.
The visit was short but we had a wonderful time.
My foster daughter Davin got married to Veasna Sim on
December 13th in Phnom Penh.
I was so sad not to be able attend, but I am so happy she has found
someone she loves. We have been close
since she was 14 years old (she is now 26) and she is such a wonderful young
woman who has worked through much adversity.
She has truly been a blessing in my life.
In many ways we can hardly believe it is the Christmas
season. The days pass so quickly. We did have the opportunity to see the Creche
Arts and Music Festival in the Lancaster Stake Center. Churches throughout the city join together
and display hundreds of beautiful nativity sets from all over the world. Musical numbers are schedule from Friday
afternoon to Monday afternoon. All were
invited to view the 1st Presidency’s Christmas Devotional on Sunday
evening. It was a stunning event.
Our responsibilities keep us very busy; but, the “thing”
about being on a mission is all our time is the Lord’s time -- so it doesn’t
really matter if we have to work early and/or late, nor how far we have to
travel to meet the need. Yesterday I
gave the Relief Society lesson on A
Christ Centered Life. One of the
blessings of serving a mission is it seems that we can focus even harder as we
try to make our lives Christ Centered. My
heart was touched as I listened to the sisters in Relief Society share their
journeys to become Christ-like. Most have lives are not easy, but still, we
realize when we submit our will to the Savior’s, it is a wonderful life!
We think of you this Christmas season and hope you know we
love you. May you have a special
Christmas and feel the Savior’s great love for you. As we all see His hand in our lives, may we
realize it is truly a wonderful life!
