Right now I am sitting in my office amidst a stack of things that should be filed. In fact, I have promised myself that I will not go home for Christmas break until my office is restored to something that resembles orderliness. I realize that is a big stretch, but that is my commitment nevertheless. So...tomorrow I will tackle that task with energy and enthusiasm. For today, I am watching the snow falling and thinking this is kind of day when we should all be home with mounds of fresh popcorn playing board games with family. I am also reflecting on those things that mean the most to me. Yesterday I sat on the stand looking into the faces of my family in the congregation. I was filled with a deep sense of gratitude for them and for the goodness of their lives. A few hours later, we were together on an excursion to see the lights at Temple Square.
We haven't done that for many years. Although that setting at Christmas isn't unfamiliar
to me, I found it to be a renewing experience to see the lights, hear the story of the Nativity repeated, and remember the binding covenants, which can give life to all our most sacred aspirations. Life is precious! Every moment of our mortal learning experience should be savored and used to the fullest measure. Heavenly Father's Plan is perfectly designed to allow us to realize those aspirations. At Christmas, we remember and think deeply about the most important events of this earth. As we contemplate the condescension of the Father, it is easier to be humble for a fleeting moment. If we are successful at that, we feel an inner confidence despite our apparent weaknesses. As Nephi said, "And when I desire to rejoice, my heart groaneth because of my sins; nevertheless, I know in whom I have trusted." (2 Ne 4:19) And that is the quest of mortality, to reach beyond knowing of Him... and come know Him in whom we place our yearning trust. To all who pass here, though you may do so silently and unknown, please know that you are important to me because you are important to Him. He lived and surrendered His life for both of us...and He lives again! May the Lord shower you with His choicest blessings at this sacred season and in every moment of need.
We haven't done that for many years. Although that setting at Christmas isn't unfamiliar
to me, I found it to be a renewing experience to see the lights, hear the story of the Nativity repeated, and remember the binding covenants, which can give life to all our most sacred aspirations. Life is precious! Every moment of our mortal learning experience should be savored and used to the fullest measure. Heavenly Father's Plan is perfectly designed to allow us to realize those aspirations. At Christmas, we remember and think deeply about the most important events of this earth. As we contemplate the condescension of the Father, it is easier to be humble for a fleeting moment. If we are successful at that, we feel an inner confidence despite our apparent weaknesses. As Nephi said, "And when I desire to rejoice, my heart groaneth because of my sins; nevertheless, I know in whom I have trusted." (2 Ne 4:19) And that is the quest of mortality, to reach beyond knowing of Him... and come know Him in whom we place our yearning trust. To all who pass here, though you may do so silently and unknown, please know that you are important to me because you are important to Him. He lived and surrendered His life for both of us...and He lives again! May the Lord shower you with His choicest blessings at this sacred season and in every moment of need. All my love,
Poppa
Poppa
