Matthew and I were able to sleep in until after 6:00 am, which is something at least. I wasn't feeling great after my shower, so I got back in bed for a bit while my sweet husband made breakfast. I suggested German Pancakes and told him where to find my recipe, but he didn't want to compete with my cooking, so he found his own recipe. It was a delicious caramel/apple/custard concoction made in a skillet. Unfortunately Matthew was a bit heavy handed when flipping it onto the plate. It was a clean break though and he was able to salvage most of it. Plus, it really was quite tasty.
The rest of the morning was spent bathing little people, combing hair, finding socks, tying ties, and everything else that goes into getting five people ready for church.
We had a simple lunch of sandwiches and the caramel/chocolate covered pretzels that the youth sold as their summer camp fund raiser. Hyrum gave me the presents he had prepared which included two cards and a plastic cup in which he had grown some grass and stuck two flowers made from tongue depressors and cupcake liners. He was very pleased with himself. Matthew had gotten me a new ventilation fan for the little toilet room in our bathroom. He installed it yesterday, along with a motion detection sensor so it will automatically turn on when it's needed, and scrubbed down the entire room and everything in it. Perhaps it wasn't a very romantic gift, but it was practical and thoughtful and very much appreciated.
The rest of our Mother's day afternoon was just lovely. We Skyped with Matthew's parents, took a nap while the kids played together in Hyrum's room, ate really delicious salmon pizza for dinner, and I talked with my mom on the phone. Perhaps the most touching part of the day was when Abraham came in to my room after he had been put to bed and reminded me that he had asked to color after dinner. I told him we could color tomorrow, but he said in such a small, truly sad voice that tomorrow wouldn't be Mother's day anymore. I understood then that he had meant to make me a card. I told him that I appreciated the thought and that if he made me a picture tomorrow it would still be just as special to me. He went back to his room looking so defeated. About 15 minutes later he came back in with the biggest, most genuine smile, carrying a piece of paper. He took he initiative to find what he needed and made me a card. There were several attempts at what I think are supposed to be hearts and some letter A's, along with his customary scribbles. He gave me a big hug and went happily off to bed. It was truly my favorite moment of the day, as I saw how deeply he wanted to do something nice for me. It really is such a privilege to be the mother of these sweet spirits. I am so grateful.
***
In other news, I was sustained and set apart today as the Ladera Ward's new primary president. The bishop called me to the position two weeks ago and I have had many opportunities since then to pray, study, and be taught by the Spirit. I was very humbled as I sought direction in choosing counselors. I'd been praying to learn how to better hear and understand the voice of the Lord, and as I considered who might serve with me, asked that He might answer my prayer in a very direct and obvious manner. I wanted to know He was listening to me and that He would respond. I went to the temple with a short list of names and prayed that I would be shown who to choose. I spent a long time in the celestial room and though I still wasn't entirely sure who to pick, I felt prompted that it was time to go. As I was folding my clothes, I saw one of the sisters on my list walk through the door. I felt sure it was an answer to my prayer. Then later that day I learned that Matthew had seen two of the other women on my list while he was at lunch with his brother. It was as obvious as I could have asked for and I felt so good about my choices. I submitted them to the bishop, only to learn the next day that two of the three were unavailable for new callings. I felt completely deflated at first. Had I really interpreted things so poorly? But then I felt a great peace. My prayer had been answered. The Lord showed me that He was listening and that He would respond. That's what I was really asking for. I knew my prayers were being heard and that I was receptive to and could be guided by the spirit. Now I could decide on counselors. My second round of consideration was very different from the first. I wasn't looking for a miraculous manifestation, but was making a choice and seeking the Lord's approval. Both were equally spiritual experiences and I am grateful for them.
The sisters called to work with me are really wonderful women, full the of the spirit and willing and anxious to serve. There is a lot of work to be done, as the primary has not been running very well, but I know that as we seek the Spirit and strive to serve as the Lord would have us do, we can accomplish all that will be required of us. I am ready to learn what my Heavenly Father has to teach me, am so grateful for all the support I have already received, and pray I can do some good in my little corner of the Kingdom.
No comments:
Post a Comment