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Saturday, October 31, 2009

Halloween Miracle

This morning I took a walk.  All through the night we'd heard the rain through the open bedroom window.  But this morning, it was a battle between sun and clouds.  As I plugged in the nano and tied up my shoes, the clouds were winning.


But just as I was cresting the last hill on my way home, the sun broke through the clouds.  And it got warm.  Almost uncomfortably so.  It was wonderful... one last kiss of summer.  It felt so good that I closed my eyes and inhaled as deeply as I could... only to realize that I smelled Christmas.  The wet pine needles and bark beckoned me to that other favorite of my year... the Holidays.

For one brief moment, I had it all:  summer saying goodbye and the holidays welcoming me back home.   It was the sweetest contradiction I've ever encountered.  A perfect moment in time.

[Editors Note:  just realized that Aussies get this combo every year... should I feel less special now?]


Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Out of the Mouths...

I haven't blogged lately because, well, I just haven't had much wit or wisdom to impart.  (I know...  I know... that never stopped me from speaking up in the past.)  But this little pearl isn't from me, but stolen from a 3-year old.


Many of you know that I have the incredible privilege of working with the Primary children in our church.  These kids are wonderful.  They are funny, sweet, kind, with just enough mischief to keep things really interesting.

Sunday was the Primary Sacrament Presentation and the kids were amazing.  The Sunbeam teacher (the three-year old class) was out sick, so I had the distinct honor and privilege of keeping three little ones "reverent" as they sat on the front row, right next to the pulpit.  After two two-hour practices they were no longer buying into "soldier arms" or "look, your parents are watching", but they really did an amazing job... again, they bring just enough mayhem to keep the Primary Presentation lively.  All the kids were incredible and the feeling in the chapel was so sweet and tender.  When the meeting was over, kids, parents and teachers alike were on a spiritual high and loving life.

Again, with the Sunbeam teacher out, I was able to substitute their class on the fly.  I love teaching this group.  Funny, funny kids.  Armed with crayons, cut out headbands and a blanket, I was ready.

The topic this Sunday was "Honesty."  The class has one little boy who is lovely, adorable and on a different planet most of the time, and two little blond girls:  "J",  who literally looks like an angel.  She has golden hair that falls into natural ringlets, big blue eyes and knows every answer to every question:  amazing.  The other little girl, "E"  is just as beautiful and just as delightful... and her forte is being forthright about her thoughts and feelings... sometimes painfully so.

Initially E let me know that she really wanted her "other" teacher"... you know... the one who brings treats.  At this, Angel J came up and hugged me, therefore guilting E into a hug as well.  Again, the little boy clueless, quietly picking his nose.  I did not ask him for a hug.

Then we begin discussing the topic for the week:  Honesty.  I asked lots of questions about it and it was clear that they had a great understanding of what Honesty is.  I was on a roll.  Then I asked, "Have you ever had a time when you weren't honest?  How did that make you feel?"

Angel J raised her hand.  I thought 'cool... there is a dark underbelly here that I'm going to learn about.'  But when called upon, J informed me, "I've never said anything wrong."  And looking into those blue eyes, I swear I believed her.

Then E's hand went up.  I called upon her.  She was uncharacteristically hesitant as she began to speak.  "Ummm, one time I said that I would eat my food up all gone when I was done with my bath."  She began to look uncomfortable as she spoke.  Cruelly I asked, "so did you finish your food all gone when you were finished with your bath?"  At this point E's face fell.  She said, "... uhhh, I forgot.... {heavy pause}....I don't want to talk about this honesty thing any more."

Ahhh, the wisdom (and honesty) of a child.  After almost crying I was laughing so hard, I realized that wise and (almost always)  honest E had made a very powerful point.  We don't feel good when we aren't honest.  And we certainly don't want to dredge up painful memories of past transgressions.... thank heavens for repentance!!!!

Please leave me in Primary until I become as wise as a Sunbeam.