Life in the fast lane - time to pull over

General Conference has brought with it a chance to slow down and contemplate. These past few months have thrown us into the fast lane of life. Jhonny has taken off on his job as a kindergarten teacher and that keeps him pretty busy. He always has great stories to tell about his sweet students. He is lucky to have such a supportive staff and principal.
I have kept busy substitute teaching in Rockdale and Cameron. I've enjoyed being back in the schools. This town is getting smaller for me. I recognize more people at Walmart and have now seen the faces of kids that my neighbors have bragged about. I am still asked if I am new to Rockdale. Although we've been here for two years, comparatively that's new I suppose. I'm not sure how long we have to live here to not claim being new anymore. Tis the way of small towns I guess.
Yesterday I reveled in the Spirit and found myself moved often by stories of faith and testimony. I could relate as one speaker talked of the steps of deliverance from adversity. "And he lightened their burdens insomuch that they could not feel the burden upon their backs." How often I have felt that way. It is only in retrospect that I realize the gravity of the burdens on our little family this past year. I am overcome with gratitude for the hand of the Lord that has guided us and carried us through it all. I don't know that we have been delivered yet - but the way is always being prepared. And I can say as Eve said, "It is better. . ."
I am more committed to live a life without hypocrisy. I see a need to work on my "temperance" at home. I'm also grateful for the counsel to be consistent and diligent in our efforts to teach our children the gospel. How often have I wondered if family prayer, scripture study, and Family Home Evening are doing any good when my kids are screaming, whining, wiggling, and for the most part not even paying attention? It's good to know that even if they get nothing out of the lesson that the habit is the key.
How comforting to know that Heavenly Father is mindful and still loves us in spite of the difficulties that have swept our nation. He has and will provide.