Sheltons in the Sun: Blog #22 A Wonderful Life

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 13^th 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 1^st 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!