December 17, 2017

Sunday.

After ward council, a meeting with the Bishop, a lovely church, and a few things that kept me late at church, it was solid dark by the time we drove home.  Greg had taken Lance home early.  For the last few weeks, Lance has been adamant about not going to nursery.  He was loving it so much!  And then a few weeks ago when the big kids picked him up, he was hysterically crying and saying he got hurt.  Someone must have hurt him.  And Lance will NOT forget it.

Greg had finished up my dinner, even made the gravy and cooked the rolls, so we all walked in to see dinner on the table.  It was a delicious, home-cooked meal, and we all were so happy.  We ate and relaxed after a really long day.  We all helped with the huge load of dishes and dinner clean up.  I shut the dishwasher and smiled at the sound of its glorious swishing and spraying getting started.  I love that sound.

I slowly walked back to my room, peeled off my skirt and my blouse and removed my earrings.  I thought about my elderly neighbors across the street, and wondered how they were doing tonight.  I pulled on some soft pajamas, some warm socks, and settled into a chair in the living room.  I dialed their number and listened to it ring and ring.  Just as I hung up the call, and thought about where they might be late on a Sunday night, I remembered the High Priest Ice Cream Social happening right NOW! We were already thirty minutes late!

It wouldn't be a big deal, but I had RSVP'ed to two different people!  And it was at the home of an older couple Greg home teaches.  I knew it would really matter to them if we didn't come.  I knew it would hurt their feelings.  I flew out of that chair and ran to the garage.  Greg was in his sweats, checking on some wood projects out there drying.

"Greg!" I shouted.  "The High Priest Social!"  He looked up at me, startled.  And then he sighed and said we will just have to forget it.  I felt so bad pressuring him, but I really thought we should go.  He was really upset.  I finally told him I would go alone.  So, he stomped in the house and changed his clothes.  I took off my warm pajamas and pulled back on my church clothes.  Greg calmed down, and I promised him we were just making an appearance.

The kids were gathered at the table with a puzzle, so we slipped out into the night.

I am so glad we went.  A couple different older sisters made their way right to me.  One pulled me aside and started to cry a little.  I listened to both of their concerns and tried to comfort them.  Then one of the sisters told me of other concerns about the sisters she visits, and that she had been wanting to tell me about them. When one of the women told me that this lonely feeling was probably just indicative of her age, I sort of smiled inside.  I thought, 'Oh, no.  I'm getting this same story from everyone!'  I didn't even know what had happened to Greg at this point!  I finally finished up, sharing lots of hugs, and made my way around saying hi and checking on everyone, and then Greg and I were able to leave.

I felt so surprised.  I feel so young compared to some of these women, and yet, they are turning to me.  It is probably the biggest surprise of this calling so far.  But I love helping people, so I'm really happy to listen and love.

I came home, thinking deeply about all that I heard.  I will follow up on the concerns and make some visits this week, but it felt good to climb back into my pajamas.

It was a long day.  But I'm learning that all of this "work" and all of this service is really good for me. I made a promise a long time ago that I would do all I can to help in Our Father's work.  I really feel like I am giving it my all.  And I feel so blessed to have the strength and capacity to serve.