Isn't it wonderful when unexpected blessings come to sweeten life, and bring us joy? When they come one after another over a period of days, that's a little awe inspiring! I just had that kind of long weekend, and I don't mind telling you, I'm grateful for the unusual peace and joy it has given me.
I am like everyone else. I have situations in my life that challenge me, even on my best days. By Thursday of last week I was feeling pretty down. Something was weighing heavily on me, and I really didn't know what to do about it--still don't. I was feeling overwhelmed and a little defeated. I really prayed to know what to do, and longed for a clear answer that even I could discern. Nothing seemed to be coming, and I was getting fairly discouraged, but I kept praying.
On Friday my son was here for the afternoon and able to stay with my husband, so I went shopping for some Christmas gifts. I found everything I needed--wonderful stuff by the way--at between 50% and 80% off--a great boon to a tight budget! Keep in mind that this kind of thing rarely happens to me.
On Saturday I woke up to an empty fruit bowl. Fruit is a favorite, and I found myself wishing I could sink my teeth into a crunchy apple or juicy pear. Within the hour a box of pears was delivered to my door--a gift from a son and his wife. Later that afternoon, my husband showered and dressed, and things pretty well under control, the phone rang. It was a neighbor asking if I could possibly join them for a visit to Salt Lake City. They were meeting friends for an early dinner at The Roof Restaurant, a tour of Temple Square, and then the annual Christmas Concert by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. One of the party was ill and couldn't use his ticket. Would I like it? Would I!! I had 10 minutes to arrange for my husband and to get ready. My daughter graciously consented to take her dad for a few hours, and then my son would pick him up and stay with him until I returned.
What a joyful late afternoon and evening I had with my neighbors and their friends. The conversation was great, the food was fabulous and very gourmet, and the concert was beautiful. There we were about 10 rows back from the stage in the Latter-day Saint Conference Center. There was The Spirit of Christmas (British actor John Rhys-Davies), dressed in a green fur-trimmed robe, with a crown of holly on his head. There was the character of Charles Dickens, conversing with him as they both sailed over the audience, suspended by wires, engrossed in conversation about the things that really matter, and what Christmas really means. "How can the poor masses be so happy in their poverty?" asks Dickens. Indeed, how can happiness be had when necessities are barely being met, or not being met at all? The Spirit of Christmas answers the query: It is love. Love for others, thinking of others, caring for others. Happiness comes as we come to know and exercise the true spirit of the season. Thus comes Dickens inspiration for his classic novel, A Christmas Carol.
The Mormon Tabernacle Choir was incomparable, as always. Guest soloist Deborah Voigt's clear operatic voice was perfect, her renderings entertaining and joy filled. The Christmas lights on Temple Square, the spirit of the holiday, the majestic temple, the kindness of my neighbors and their friends, and the courtesy of other visitors to downtown Salt Lake, all made for a wonderful evening, and a much appreciated--if unexpected--break from my caregiver duties!
After church on Sunday my husband and I ate lunch and, "My goodness" I thought, "something chocolate would really taste good about now." But I had nothing chocolate in the house. Ah, me!
I had to drop some things off at my neighbors, so off I went to relieve my mind of the craving. Guess what--she and her husband had just made chocolate chip cookies. Before I knew it, I was holding a plate of the little goodies in my hand. Back at home I enjoyed two of them, then took a nap. I'd been up late on both Friday and Saturday nights, and I really needed some sleep. When I awoke from my rest, I found myself craving a fresh orange--probably my body's way of seeking equilibrium after the chocolate attack! I hadn't been on my feet five minutes when the doorbell rang. It was a neighbor delivering a Christmas gift. You guessed it--fresh oranges!
On Monday morning at 9a.m. my daughter called. It was cold out--below freezing--and her van wouldn't start. Could I possibly come by to get the kids and take them to school? I was more than happy to do it. On the way my granddaughter asked when would I be babysitting them again after school. I didn't know, and asked her why was she asking. "I like coming to your house, grandma."
"I love you coming to my house," I responded. "I think it's wonderful that we get to live just around the corner from one another."
"I'm the one who first saw our house when it was for sale," piped up my grandson, wanting his rightful place, getting credit for his part in the deal.
"I know," I said. "I didn't know how mommy and daddy were ever going to afford it, with daddy still in school, but a miracle happened, and everything worked out. I'm so glad it did!"
So, that was my long and unexpectedly blessed weekend. I'm still praying about the situation that has so much concerned me. I still have no clear direction about what to do. However, after the weekend I just had, I'm left with no doubt that my life is being watched over, and I am greatly blessed. God is aware of me and my needs--even my wants. So, whatever the resolution to my problem might be, I feel confident that it will be guided by God, and blessed by His hand.
May your Christmas season--and every day of the new year--be blessed by the same knowledge and peace!
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