I opted out of class today, babying this troublesome shoulder. Meant that we went for an early morning walk. There's something about being out in the sunrise when most of the world (or at least our area) is still inside, presumably sleeping. I like being one of the very few humans up and about. This morning was unusual, we saw lots of fun nature. Yesterday over the course of our walk we saw 9 deer. Three with big antlers. No deer today, but I almost got a picture of the four crows silhouetted against the early morning light. And a rabbit hopped past our path. I've seen lots and lots of grapes that for some reason appeal to me. And I managed (mostly) to catch a picture of one of the two foxes we saw. The picture isn't great (cropped and cropped) but you can make out the white tail tip and the ear. I love that Heavenly Father blessed our world so abundantly.
Over the course of the last few days I've heard several things that have stuck with me. Not direct quotes so I don't feel the need to attribute the source. But good thoughts to remember.
• Jesus always wins.
• We know our beginning and we know the end that we've been promised. Since we know there is good on both ends, we can muddle through the middle. Hard as it is.
• The Savior and God, welcome our efforts. I keep hearing that even small efforts - that might be all we can presently make - are recognized and help us. Even when it doesn't seem like they matter or that things are not going well in spite of our efforts, it is important to keep trying and help will come. In the Lord's time and way. Even if we don't in the moment recognize help. I've heard this concept multiple times over the last few weeks. I am grateful to hear it, that reinforcement makes a difference also.
• There's a school of thought that the adversary seems to increase his battering when there's something good ahead for us. Heavenly Father does have a plan for each of us. (I always wonder if those whose lives are so perfect were more valiant in heaven so their lives are full of ease and plenty on earth. Are they loved more than us ordinary people?)
If asked what I do for a living, the reply might be: I do my best. That's a lovely thought. And likely all that Heavenly Father wants from us. Our best will vary from day to day - or possibly even minute to minute. I always want to be found doing better than before, improving.
I am always working to overcome my faults. To be more patient and understanding. I'm so grateful for prayer - sometimes that's all that gets me through.
We stopped yesterday to speak with our boss at the Bishop's Storehouse. He was so kind. I have often thought that the Saturday people are kind of invisible. The boss works hard and long hours, weekdays - not Saturdays. He made sure we understood that we were welcome to pop in and work whenever we'd like. He also said that the consistency of people who are there most every Saturday (us) makes his work mentally easier. That was nice to hear, I frankly wasn't sure anyone (outside of our Saturday co-missionaries) even knew who we were. We plan to stay through August and then be done. It's been a tough decision, months in the making. But I am comfortable with it. I'll be on the lookout for something else that might suit. The Husband truly does need the social interaction. We'll see if Heavenly Father has something else in store for us.
I'm grateful for the nearly three years we were able to serve. We've met some incredible people, made some (hopefully) life long friends and had our hearts warmed, hurt and touched by the stories of the people who have come to receive food. I will ever be thankful we were able to serve.
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