Youth and Age

Have I mentioned how much I love this weather?  Three degrees today....it is chilly in the apartment and so I wear a sweatshirt jacket around all the time....which I love.  As I type here in the loft I have the window open and there is a bit of cool air circulating in.  Ahhhh.

Our walk today to and from the center was grand.  There is a huge Christmas tree in Rådhuspladsen, otherwise known as Copenhagen City Hall.  It has to be 40 to 50 feet tall and decorated with white lights and red hearts.  It is just across the street from Tivoli - which is all lit up for the holidays.

Our numbers were smaller this evening at Family Home Evening.  It is most likely from the season of exams etc.  We had about 30 attend a YSA activity in Copenhagen over the weekend and I am sure many were trying to catch up with things after being gone.

I spent some time talking with one of our soon-to-leave missionaries.  She was telling me how much she loves the temple.  She went through for the first time perhaps a month ago.  She has been at least 50 times since.  She goes every day it's open (Wednesday through Saturday) and stays for one session or one session in the baptistry.   

She stays alert, because she imagines the person she is doing the work for and hopes they will accept.  I was deeply touched by her strength and testimony.  She will leave for the MTC  in less than 2 weeks.  This coming Sunday she will speak in Church and then have an open house following the scheduled meetings.  She will share the spotlight with one of her closest friends who will also speak ....and the open house will be for both of them.  They will fly on the same flight to Utah.

I am sure with her enthusiasm and the depth of her testimony, as well as her great love for her family and friends will be a strong base for her missionary work.  I am equally sure that her time in the temple these past weeks will bring sweet blessings.

We also spent time with a dynamic young man who will be attending the temple Friday.  He will go for the first session in the morning and stay until the temple closes in the evening.  He is eagerly anticipating the day and the blessings of being there.

He has much to offer as a missionary, as a member of the Church, and as a friend to other YSAs.  He is well-grounded and strong.

A few years ago, I was called as the Young Women's President and worked with teen girls in what was a sweet challenge and blessing.  I wondered how at my age I could be of any worth....but whether or not I was, there were young women who I came to know and love - who have become family and who are so important in my life.  At the same time I began working in the Mesa temple, where I was the same age as most other workers and younger than many.  It was an interesting time for me.

Here I am again with much younger people and feeling so much admiration and wonder at their steadfastness in a world that doesn't value what they value.  

I feel so blessed to have these experiences that enlarge my soul.