On This Day of Joy and Gladness

We had visitors today in church.  A couple from California came for sacrament meeting before embarking on a Baltic cruise.  I visited with them for a few moments before meeting.  They were staying in a hotel near the church.

They were in their late 50's I would say, and he said that he had been adopted as a baby from Denmark.  He was raised in the states.  I thought it was both interesting and amazing.  I suppose there may be need for adoptions here, but I have never heard of it.  I have heard of Danes going to other countries to pick up children they are adopting.  From all of our observations the Danes love their children and cherish them.  I am guessing that it was a very unusual circumstance that led parents to give their child up for adoption to a foreign couple.

Our sacrament meeting was a very tender one with talks from our Relief Society President and her husband who is a counselor in the Branch Presidency.  They are both such beautiful examples of faith and dedication.  We love and admire each one of them.

She spoke of the scripture from Ether 12:

 27 And if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them.

Her application was personal but so inspiring.  She told of a particularly trying time in her life... her reaction to the trials, her struggles to handle them well, and the point when they had come to an end. She was kneeling in prayer and had the distinct impression that they needed to go to the temple....that the Lord had a message for her.  They had 3 small children and the nearest temple was in Stockholm Sweden...no easy trip.

But they went as soon as they could arrange things.  They stayed for 2 days.  From the moment they entered, she felt an overwhelming sense of the Savior's love for her, and felt exactly the same every time they went during the two days.  It was an amazing answer to many prayers pleading for help with her sense of inadequacy.

Her husband also gave a talk that touched my heart.  His testimony is well-grounded and comes through in every aspect of his life.  As a couple, they are among the finest people I have ever known.

After such a beautifully spiritual feast this morning, we have spent much-loved time visiting with family.  We marvel that we can talk to and see our family and it doesn't cost a thing!  It helps us so much to see the grandchildren and hear about their lives and especially to touch bases with our children. They lead active and busy lives and it is a comfort that they want us still to be involved with their lives.

Sundays here are sometimes filled with activity and meetings, and sometimes - like today, they are a time of peace and reflection and renewal.

Whatever kind of day each Sabbath turns out to be, it is always a gift.