Brighter Beams the Azure Sky

Another day of sunshine!  It was a bit cooler, in the 30's but with the sun beaming down so brightly it doesn't matter.  It was the same temperature in January, yet it seems warmer now, a month later.  When we were out today I didn't wear a scarf around my neck, as I have done for several months, and people we saw who were out didn't seem as bundled up as just a few weeks ago.  There is an air of anticipation, and even some of the trees have tentatively put forth blossoms.  We have been hearing the bright cheery song of a bird that we haven't heard before.  I don't know if we have entered into an early Spring or if winter will sneak back in the days ahead.

February is fast coming to a close and the calendar is absolutely full of activities....and not just at the center.  The mission is hosting a two-zone conference next Tuesday and we will participate in that, especially in the preparation of food.  I and my crockpot have been invited to attend!  We will be busy with that from first thing in the morning until evening.  I look forward to that.  It is so exhiliarating to be with the young missionaries.

We have visiting general authorities this coming Saturday and will be in meetings with them all morning and then again in the evening.  Sunday will be a continuation in our branch.  

So far, this week is pretty full with center activities.  

We went to our Danish class at 11, where there was much discussion today about the Danish culture.  The class is valuable for a number of reasons besides the language we are learning.  It is very helpful to have a native of a country there to answer all questions about customs, etiquette, food and shopping.  For instance, we learned today that the longest days of summer will stretch out with a very long sunrise and a very long sunset and then a night that never seems to get black.  I am sometimes overwhelmed about all there is to learn, yet we have come to a country that is similar in many respects to our own country.  I can't imagine trying to get accustomed to a completely different culture!

From class, we came directly to the center where I made cookies for Family Home Evening.  We had guest speakers again, who spoke about....dating!  In case you wondered, dating has been the theme for the entire month.  It has been inspiring even to someone who has been married for 45 years.  

All speakers have talked about the idea of marrying someone who helps you to become better than you were before you met....someone who brings out the best in you.  And all come to the conclusion that in order for you to marry the right person, you have to BE the right person.  I am doing a terrible injustice to everyone I have heard speak to us by simplifying it to a very trite phrase, but all talks have developed it in the most beautiful way and have elevated marriage to something far more wonderful than society portrays it.  

And of course the truth is that it can and should be that way......but it takes a lot of work.  I can think of very few endeavors in life....if any....that are worth that much work, except having a really good solid marriage to a person you love.

SK and I are still working at it....