Blessings

A few weeks ago my mom asked if a friend from my childhood could bring our family dinner. He wanted to give me a night off. I was surprised and agreed to a night a few weeks down the road. The evening came and we were overwhelmed with all the food he brought. I was also surprised by the food selection.  The meal was turkey with gravy. This is classic comfort food similar in taste to how my grandma made for Christmas dinner.

 It's always interesting to me how random things she did come out when life is getting heavy. We had discussed Angels on Sunday as a family and I could definitely put this in the box of angels on earth and above tapping us on the shoulder to say "I see you, keep going." Like Elias the prophet was offered a cake and a nap when his troubles got too heavy, throughout the years I have been offered a cupcake, or turkey dinner when life was feeling difficult. The last turkey dinner with perfect gravy was the night Merle decided to be born. 

Thanksgiving was pretty stressful for many reasons, and I didn't eat much. I enjoy the turkey dinner and have looked back longingly wishing I could have calmed my nerves quicker. Thus this meal was so welcome. The food was delicious, but it was more sweet to have been thought of. The man Leland Anderson was a family friend with kids close to me. We would go to his house after church occasionally and he would fry french fries for his family and me and my siblings. It was the best after church activity. We loved it when we got to go to his house. 

Fast forward many years and this kind soul felt prompted to bring us dinner. Little would he know that my mother-in-law would have had a heart attack and we would have been hacked and working through changing bank accounts and making good on debits that we needed to pay with our funds locked up. Fraud is such a terrible inconvenience. 

Bruce had a bit of time in the house on Sunday, he is usually out working with Reed. Merle, Lia, Andrea, and he made this area it was so busy and full of imagination I had to take a picture. Of course, the older kids made them put it all away, but I smiled at the heightened level of intricate play formations that Bruce brought. 

After talking for just a minute with this busy happy lady I was delighted to see some pictures in her Google Drive photos. She is just radiating peace and joy throughout her time as a missionary. This is just who she is learning, teaching, serving, and loving others. I'm thankful she has this time to be with God. 

I send the missionaries pictures like this. The kids were of course so happy to see the snow. 

I then found this picture of my Elder who is likewise super happy and at peace on his mission. I prayed a lot for him to feel the spirit to confirm why he was a missionary and to have friends on the mission who would see his Greatness.  I'm thankful he too is enjoying his time of service, learning, and teaching. 

Life is a jumble of good and bad. While I was so grumpy to have to go and rearrange my day, my bank account, etc etc. at the library a very kind librarian was so gentle and helpful with my long overdue books. I thought wow someone who cares and isn't just demanding something. Her profound understanding and helpful attitude totally changed my grumps. What a difference one person caring can make. I know these missionary kiddos, these two particularly, care about others. They have gentle hearts and strong bodies rounded out by very inquisitive minds. I'm sure they too are touching people and raising them up. I'm thankful for them in my life and all those who are so generous with their talents. We are very blessed..