Rays of Light

Today was a day in the temple. We have been gone about 9 hours, including the time it takes to get back and forth on the buses.  We wrapped ourselves up in scarves, coats and gloves and stepped outside, only to say "Ooops" as stepped back inside to get the Mary Poppins umbrella.  A steady drizzle dampened everything except our spirits.  SK was being SK and I think I laughed all the way to the temple.

In the temple, I had time to visit another worker....a young woman from Sweden who serves every Friday.  She leaves her home at 8:30, and travels over the bridge to Copenhagen arriving an hour later (on a good day....otherwise it could be an hour and a half).  The bridge costs her about  $40 each way.  She returns home at the end of the day..around 9:00 p.m. so she arrives home probably around 10 or so.

I spoke with her for about 4 or 5 minutes before I realized she wasn't an American.  Her English is flawless.  She also was excellent with the pronunciation of Dutch, French and Spanish names.  She has a full-time job and is busy during the week.  She is my height and slim and graceful.  She has striking blue eyes and dark brown hair (she laughed about that, remarking that she is not a blonde like the stereotypical Swede).

I asked her if she feels blessed for the great sacrifice she makes weekly of time and money to serve in the temple.  She paused for just a few moments as she mulled over her answer and then explained that she has never noticed miracles in her life or actual blessings that specifically come from her service.  Yet, she went on to say that like health you take for granted until it is gone, she knows that life just goes along better when she is sacrificing to be there.  She is certain that it would not be so good if she weren't serving.

What is going on here?  I am 65 years old!!!!! and I expected that I would be a fountain of wisdom by now.  But it seems that I am constantly learning and being inspired by people half a century younger than I.  I am in awe of their steadfastness and wisdom.

As the news gets darker, my hopes for the future get brighter.