Conference was Wonderful!
I have felt each discourse and sense a real need to do each one as well.
I want to try them on... until I can fit into such beautiful talks.
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There is a small arena just outside the rented house used by the branch in Relva. One afternoon after teaching our Perpetual Education Fund class, I observed these children aching to enter the loud and lively soccer game, yet content to watch from the broken door. It requires escudos (pennies) to enter in.
I have been on the sidelines of life at times. My mind was flooded by bitter-sweet thoughts;
when immediately, I was reminded of two things:
One: I can never know another's heart, and two: I must be so careful what I place in mine.
To any outsider these young ones should have means whereby to enter the court. That judgment is obvious by their beautiful clothes and neatly trimmed hair. Yet, if the same observer would accompany them to their homes, they would see cement or lava rock walls, dirt and cement floors, and very little food inside. The inside walls would be made from a hanging curtain or two, and many do not have water in their homes yet. Their prayers would include: "We are thankful for the bread for this day". And they would mean it. A literal description of their blessing, if they could afford the 10 cent bakery rolls that day for breakfast, and maybe some rice and beans for lunch.
Peanut Butter, Jam, and other luxuries, I have never heard mentioned, or seen used in their homes.
The nice clothes are sent to them (in large barrels that come by boat) from relatives in America. Moms will sit on the streets and sell the clothes to have money to buy food. The clothes are free to them, but you can't eat clothes, you can't always sell clothes, and you can't get into the soccer game by being dressed up. Having nothing else...the way they look becomes of major import. But, the way we look, is not who we really are. And we cannot know each others hearts. I am thankful that Our Savior taught us that.
1 Samuel 16:7
Secondly,
Its not easy to watch life from the sidelines.
Especially knowing that Life is much more than a game-
and that some Heavenly Courts are for keeps..
so, what is really in my heart of hearts?.
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| When we took Lucindo (Moroni) to the boat dock to begin his mission, I couldn't leave his brother on the step like this. I went back and said, Heavenly Father loves you just as much as He loves Lucindo. Now, it is your turn to decide if you love your Heavenly Father and invited him to come to church to learn of the happiness that his brother has found. He smiled and said he would try. The only sidelines we really have in this life are the ones we make for ourselves... |
So very Thankful for the Conference words, warmth, and warnings!
When the Tabernacle Choir sang: 'Where Love Is'...
(Oh My! Where is a towel when you need one!),
Latisha turned around and brought me back to Fogo with her smile.
I love that in The Gospel of Jesus Christ, there are NO such things as sidelines!
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