#LIGHTtheWORLD

On December 7th the Light the World theme was about Christ feeding the hungry. Michelle posted this on facebook (along with a photo of the bread she mentioned).

"I am not sure making Banana bread for the people that run my apartment complex counts as feeding the hungry. But at least it's a way to say thanks."

Feeling a little bad for not doing something special that day I commented, "The best I am going to do today is feeding teenagers in my house, but we are going to be donating food this weekend. :-)"

I have thought a lot about that though and I had a moment of understanding.

Feeding my teenagers is no less important or significant just because I do it every day. Serving others (including our children or families in our homes) is how we serve the Lord. When we fulfill our daily responsibilities with love as our motivating force, that is when we are doing what the Lord would have us do.

Of course, this doesn't mean we should limit our service to those in our homes, but we shouldn't ever feel like our efforts in our homes don't matter.

#LIGHTtheWORLD

Brian is such a great example to me. Yesterday for the Light the World campaign the focus was on ministering to children, and two events from this very weekend have been on my mind.

Saturday we had our ward Christmas party. It was a chance to gather, eat a few refreshments, but mostly meet new people. Towards the end of the party I watched as Brian knelt down so he could talk with a little girl at her eye level. I couldn't hear what was said, but I could see enough to know she was happy. It wasn't lengthy, but this little moment filled my heart with joy.

Last night we had our stake music of Christmas. I led our ward choir and all of the kids sang in that choir. Nathan played his violin in a string ensemble. We sang congregational hymns and listened to other choirs and musical numbers. It was such a treat. The evening ended with the traditional singing of the Hallelujah Chorus, and Brian offered the closing prayer. It was a beautiful prayer, filled with hearfelt gratitude and much sincerity. Brian was choked up during the prayer and tears came to my eyes.When we got home we had cocoa with the kids, and Brian reminded them of an experience he had as a teenager when he first heard the Hallelujah Chorus. The spirit he that overcame him that day comes back every time he hears it, and that is why the end of the program last night was so meaningful for him. I am so grateful that he shared this experience with out kids.

I am sure lucky to have Brian!

#LIGHTtheWORLD

Today for the Light the World advent calendar we are reminded of how the Savior prayed for others.

I have been thinking all day about another who is a great example to me. 

I love to listen to Nathan pray. He does so with such sincerity and with so much thought. He expresses gratitude for things big and small, and he remembers to pray for others. And over the last few weeks I particularly love hearing him pray for his dad. I can sense that he recognizes that Brian has a lot going on, and he knows that the Brian needs the Lord's help in all of it. Hearing Nathan pray is like a glimpse into his mind and heart, and it is humbling.

(Nathan - July 2011)