Miracles Unfolding Before Our Eyes

It seems these last several months that miracles have been taking place all around me.  I have long been aware of the miracles of nature that seem to become more evident in the springtime, but lately the miracles have been of a different nature.  I became keenly aware of this this morning as, our niece, Kristina, called and said she would like to drop off some of the temple ordinance cards she had picked up from me about a month ago.  It is always good to see her and to feel of her enthusiasm for Temple work.  She is a miracle in and of herself.  The picture below represents just some of the work she has done and has orchestrated over the past few weeks.  I will not take the time to count, but all of these cards are now complete and have had all their temple work done.  I know for sure that the vast majority of those people for whom this great vicarious work has now been performed are rejoicing in the Spirit world and now stand even more ready to serve as ministering angels to those of us who are willing to listen to them and seek out even more of our kindred who have gone before us and who now await the great day when these sacred and essential ordinances can be performed on their behalf.  It is wonderful for us to be able to see so much of unfold before our very eyes.  The work goes forward both here and on the other side of the veil, and the veil is indeed very thin sometimes.  I could go on for hours about the special spiritual experiences I have witnessed since I've become more involved in this great work.

Most days I spend a goodly portion of my time sitting at the computer, pouring through books, and searching the Internet for information regarding our extended family.  It is so rewarding that I have even caught myself doing it at two or three o'clock in the morning.  Some might think I've gone nuts.  You be you own judge, I don't really care.  Maybe more than at any other time in my life, I feel that the work in which we are involved is important, indeed essential.  I remember one of our stake presidents, President Hammond, when we were in Montpelier telling us we should measure all that we do in light of this question: "What does it really matter in the eternal scheme of things?"  I'm sure if we would do that, we would be a happier people and the world would be a better place, not to speak of the effect on the eternal world.  There is a time and a season appointed to all things, a time to plant and a time to bring in the sheaves.  I am grateful to have realized this so that my days of retirementt at least  can be more productively used.

Springtime Azaleas

When Iris was growing up in Georgia and spring came in March and April the azaleas bushes came out in bloom in all their splendor.  We still have our azaleas in the spring time, but as you can see from this picture, we have a little different perspective now.  Nonetheless, we rejoice in the beauties of the earth and appreciate the beautiful flowers of spring, while just out side our front window, winter shows signs of lingering for several more weeks.  We love the spring flowers and anyone who really knows me, knows that I am getting a little antsy about planting flowers around our place for the summer.  I guess, I could say, I just can't wait, but there is a time and a season for all things.  Waiting is sometimes an important part of what we have to do in life..  We live in a time when people seem to seek instant gratification, but there are important lessons, that can be learned from looking at the the azaleas from the comforts  of our home, and at the same  time giving thanks for the large snow banks outside our front door and on the mountains  that promise plentiful drinking water and water for our crops and yards for the months to come.  Another thing that I am especially grateful for is a wife, who grew up among the abundant spring flowers of the South, and who now has learned to love and appreciate the beauties of the Rocky Mountains as well and who is never heard complaining about the snow outside our door or the cold temperatures which tend to give us both creaky bones and joints as we grow older.

If we ever tend or happen to feel ourselves getting down, I hope we will stop and reflect upon our blessings and see the beauties that abound all around us all the time.  It is often a matter of perspective and always a matter of cultivating a joyful heart.  Little signs of hope should remind us that we can be assured of the greatest blessings we can ever imagine, especially as we show and express gratitude and live our lives outside ourselves in the service of others.