Blessed

The last few weeks have been wonderful for me. I mean that literally-21 days full of wonder.

We spoke in Sacrament meeting two Sundays ago on the topic of callings in the Church. I'm still not a huge fan of public speaking, but I do like the preparation and even the opportunity to vocalize my thoughts and feelings. It's just the actual time behind the pulpit that's unnerving. I never really know what I think about something until I say it out loud. Poor Troy-he has to be my sounding board for every subject of every lesson I prepare.

The same Sunday we spoke was my Sunday to teach Relief Society. I love this calling. Maybe it's just less intimidating to stand in front of my sisters than it is the whole ward, but I love it. Actually, I think what I love is the opportunity to discuss together Gospel subjects close to our hearts. My testimony is strengthened and I feel personally renewed in Relief Society. I like all our Sunday meetings but RS has a special place in my heart.

Since that Sunday, our job and financial situation has miraculously turned around. While we're not fully out of the woods yet, I am reassured that we will be okay. And my work schedule has improved so I can participate in activities that are important to me (temple visits with friends, helping at my kids' school, etc.).

On Thursday night I went with my friend to the first ever "Mormon Women Project Salon Night". We heard from four different faithful and talented LDS women (none of whom fit the cultural mold) about their testimonies and life experiences. The testimonies expressed were simple and pure-the Gospel is true, our Heavenly Father and our Savior love us, and we must be gentle and loving with others and with ourselves. Yes! That's exactly what I feel! We spend SO MUCH TIME worrying about things of no consequence, when all we really need to do is focus on the two great commandments, to love God and to love one another. If we are getting those two down, everything else will just naturally fall into place. We will cultivate faith, hope, and charity without even realizing it. Missionary work will be done, not as a project to complete, but as an inevitable result of sharing the good news of the Gospel and Heavenly Father's plan of happiness with those we care about.

And now it's Conference weekend. The only thing not to love about Conference weekend is that it's over too quickly. I loved Elder Holland's talk yesterday morning, and I loved what I heard of President Uchtdorf's talk on the way to work. And today we get to spend as a family, listening together.

I don't know why these last few weeks have been so amazing. Did I do something extraordinary to deserve such an abundant feast? Not that I can remember. Actually I can think of several periods of time when I've been personally working harder to be close to the Spirit but haven't had such an outpouring. Maybe it doesn't matter why, maybe it's just for me to enjoy it and be grateful for the experience and treasure it in my heart for the more difficult times which are sure to come. I don't know. I am grateful, though, to be blessed in such a way.