Gratitude is the Key

It is now 11:30 p.m. on Sunday evening and I will take a few moments to share the beauties of this day.  Sundays are always a treat.

We began with our hour-long adventure to church by bus.  We waited at both bus stops a long time...wondering if we had missed it.  But eventually the bus showed up and we made our merry way off the island of Sjaelland and on to the island of Amager where our church is.  No bumbling today. We walked out the front door at 9 and walked through the front door of the church at 9:59.  How's that?

It was the farewell of one of our YSAs, who is leaving this week for the MTC in Provo and then on to San Jose, CA.  She is fluent in English already, but with a British accent, which is sooo endearing!  She is very personable, very bright and very spiritual.  She'll be wonderful!  Later in the day we attended her open house.  Their home was brimming over with the joy of all the well-wishers.

In the evening we went to the center where we had another sacrament meeting.  The YSAs conduct everything in a beautiful and solemn manner.  I love to just watch and enjoy the spirit there.  But after the meeting is over they laugh and have a grand time.  No CRUD today though...Sunday.  The last to leave were 3 tall handsome young Danes.  One of them just had his last interview this evening with the Stake President who will send his papers to Salt Lake.  This young man is excited and nervous...understandably.  He is so dear.  We talked with them for some time before leaving.  I love these kids!

Earlier in the day, the Branch President instructed us for the 5th Sunday.  He spoke about what he had learned in 2013.  I enjoyed his message.

It also got me thinking about what I have learned in 2013.  The entire year has been focused on our mission.  A year ago we were preparing to serve...getting doctor appointments and filling out papers. Then we were interviewed by Bishop Halbert and President Salmon.  The papers were in and then there was the waiting and waiting.  The mission call came...to Denmark!  Then a quick trip to Sacramento to apply for our visas.  A farewell...and then many farewells.  A family reunion in July and then waiting and waiting and waiting for those visas to come.  We waited in North Salt Lake with our youngest daughter, her husband and their little Eliza.  If you have to wait....a one-year-old helps you through anything!  The visas came, we entered the MTC and now we are here...with 3 months of our mission flown by already on the 30th.

But what have I learned?  I have learned that every day holds tender mercies from the Lord....little miracles.  On so many days, my heart has been drawn out to the Lord for help....and it has always come.  I have learned that there are angels everywhere - both the heavenly and earthly variety who have been available for my family and who have helped us here in Denmark.  

I have learned that the promised help from the Lord for His missionaries is there in abundance....and that if we give it our best effort and then rely on Him, things always turn out just fine.

I have learned that the young people out here on missions are the best we have and there is great reason to look to the future in faith and hope.


And thank you dear Kate for the reminder:  Gratitude is the key to happiness!