The fact that it has been over a month since my last post illustrates just a fraction of the busy-ness of my life. It's kind of sad that when the most things are happening, I don't have time to write it all down somewhere. Someone is going to think my life is pretty boring some day.
This past month I have subbed in Rockdale and gotten to know the kids in town pretty well. I think they like me or so they've said. A few weeks ago, my name came up in conversation to fulfill a district need for a homebound teacher. I took on two girls who I will be serving for up until Thanksgiving. Then it's back to relying on Substitution as far as I know - until another teenage mother gives birth.
Last week, my husband found another posting for a counselor in Middle School - in Georgetown. As much as I would love to transfer my family to Georgetown some day - I don't think the timing is right and taking a job out there would mean that much more time away from home and family.
My kids miss me too much as it is. I can tell. When Lily wants to play games with me and I'm playing the "mom" and she's the "baby", that can only mean she's not getting enough mommy time. She is in transition. This is a tough year for her. She REALLY needs to be in school, but we can't afford it. She REALLY needs to have friends and something to constructively occupy her time that doesn't involve destroying my house. Her curiosity and imagination are out of control. Mostly I see a pretty uncontent girl who doesn't know what to do with all her thinking.
Gavin is right behind her. He's babbling - hasn't really said many words that are comprehensible, but acts like he's talking all the time. He finally mastered the art of walking, running, and climbing - not in that order. He is also throwing stuff pretty good. He still has a charming smile that melts any heart with those dimples. He is also extremely curious. He likes to get into stuff and fiddle with it until it does something. Mostly cell phones, computers, drawers, pens and pencils, TV's, remotes, etc. Toys? Not interested really - except maybe for a bag or something to carry around and push something - modeling after Lily I think. He still enjoys being thrown in the air. We're working on using utensils and not throwing plates on the floor. (Did it take this long for Lily and Jessica?)
Jessica is blossoming into a beautiful young lady. She is preparing herself for baptism next year. She enjoys playing computer games, watching Disney Chanel - especially Selena Gomez, and reading. She scored an 82 words per minute on her reading test. The teacher said the goal is 90 by the end of the year. She's zooming through chapter books that are 1 to 2 grade levels above hers. She has always loved books. I can't keep her in them long enough for her to AR test on anything. Jessica made some new friends at school. One girl rides the bus and gets off at the same stop as she does. Her friend has a sister Lily's age and the four of them love to get together for play dates.
For Halloween, we spent Friday night at the KC hall with the community for a carnival. The kids had a good time. The next night we joined the Ferguson's on their farm for the annual Halloween Party. When it was time to go, Lily still hadn't cleaned her playroom. So as hard as it was, she got left home with dad while the rest of us went to the party. I was glad that she finally got busy and finished cleaning so Jhonny and her could join us later. They made it just in time for trick or treating around the campfire. She chose to wear the monkey outfit that was identical to Gavin's. The night before she was Rapunzel. Jessica was a mermaid.
After eating all that candy, Gavin and Lily started getting congested. By Friday they passed it along to me and I woke up Saturday with a sore throat and congestion as well. I hope it wasn't the flu, but it sure hasn't been fun. We went to church today for Sacrament Meeting since it was the primary program and I didn't want to miss it. Right after, I took the two little ones home for a much needed nap and to stay away from others at church as much as possible. I probably didn't do a great job going in the first place. . .oh well.
Today was the primary program. They always do such a great job. I love the spirit that comes when the kids speak about the basic principals of the gospel. The theme was about eternal families and how they are a part of Heavenly Father's plan. I enjoyed the songs and talks. Jessica did a great job. I knew she could even though yesterday she refused to practice for me. I was told that she knew every word to the songs as well. I didn't see that part since I was too busy translating everything in ASL and their voices sounded all blended to me. The spirit was strong though and it was beautiful as usual.
This next month is a busy one as we get the Nativity under way, prepare for the holidays and plan for next year. It's been almost a year since I received this calling as a RS President. I'm not sure how well I'm doing, but I've been blessed in many ways as I've strived to listen to the Spirit and pray for the sisters in my branch. The challenges of living in a branch can be daunting as the few of us that are active strive to fellowship the many less active sisters and take care of the needs of those in our branch.
I am frequently reminded of the scripture in 3 Nephi 13 about putting the Kingdom of God first and all these things shall be added unto you. Not to worry about food, clothing or shelter and all will be taken care of. When I feel the burdens of life coming down upon my shoulders, I just try to change my focus on what is needed right now. There are some things just out of my control that can't be fussed over for too long. I am constantly reminded of the tender mercies of the Lord. My testimony of my Savior and a loving Heavenly Father are strengthened daily.
Life has been hard. When I look back on the past year I start to remember the heart aches, the losses, the sacrifices, the readjustments, the refining fires, the tests of faith, and the rescueing. I feel like Peter walking on water some days. How is it possible? Is there anything too hard for the Lord? I guess not. Trusting him and his wisdom is key. As for me - I'm really nothing in all this. Just one more instrument trying to help build Zion in my little corner of the universe - wondering if anything I'm doing will make a difference at all.
There are so many others dealing with so much more than me. And yet - my problems are just as important to the Lord. I don't know how he does it. I have enough trouble keeping up with just 3 kids. How does he handle the problems of billions? And yet he does. Individually and personally. It's amazing.
I feel incredibly lucky to have the knowledge I have about the plan of salvation and the atonement. As I associate with these good people in Rockdale and hear their testimonies I can't help but think - "There's so much more. Why don't you want to know the rest of the good news? How can you be content with the skeleton of knowledge you have and not want the whole picture?" How can I share it with people who are afraid of my beliefs and my church? If they only knew how incredibly simple their lives could be with this knowledge. Life is easier when you have purpose and understand the grand plan of things. As my wonderful secretary says, "Life without the gospel just doesn't make sense."
And I think of those who don't attend on a regular basis. What has cropped up into their lives to distract them from what is essential and most important? Why would anyone give up the blessings of membership in the true church of Christ? Why would anyone throw away the peace of the Spirit in their lives? I don't get that. I hate missing church even when I have a good excuse. I love renewing my covenants, taking the sacrament, hearing the talks, feeling the spirit, learning what Heavenly Father wants me to know for the week. Who would give it up so easily? And yet so many do. And then there's the temple - I LOVE the temple. Who would throw away their right to enter that incredible place? When temptations come as they will, I am reminded of the peace I feel in the temple. There are just some things not worth giving up. Any reasons are merely excuses. Because - when you put God first, everything else falls into place. So - got faith?
1 comment:
Very nice reading. Thank you.
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