"Those who have felt the touch of the Master's hand somehow cannot explain the change which comes into their lives. There is a desire to live better, to serve faithfully, to walk humbly, and to be more like the Savior. Having reached their spiritual eyesight and glimpsed the promises of eternity, they echo the words of the blind man to whom Jesus restored sight: 'One thing I know, that, whereas I was blind, now I see' (John 9:25)." ...Thomas S. Monson,
It was during the month of January this year that I was contemplating this very subject. More times than I can relate here, I have re-lived those awful days when my eyesight was nearly extinguished. I remember the anguish as though it were yesterday, and yet in the process of preparing for the worst, I realized that in so many ways we are all blind to some aspect of our journey...and then we have an experience that allows us to see more clearly.
How blessed we are that through adversity, we can examine our lives and come out on the other end better because of the experience. "Adversity is not a detour...it is a part of the path." (Richard Paul Evans)
Looking back at the month of January, I found myself immersed in the world of Taxes again! I don't know whether it is my age or my (once again) failing eyesight, but this time around I found the requirements more difficult than ever before. Or could it be because the burdens placed upon the Taxpayers this year seem to have multiplied on our shoulders, as well...like never before. At any rate, I attended class after class after class, took many tests, did a boatload of case studies, and still feel like I have only dipped into the first drops of the bucket! Perhaps this will be my last year to be a Tax Preparer. We shall see.
At Church, I have immersed myself into music and our little Choir. When I say "little," I mean little! There are some Sundays when only 1 or 2 members show up to practice. And then when we have a number prepared for Sacrament Meeting, those who have not been attending show up to sing...ill prepared and surprised that they don't know the number. And still I plug along. I find myself thinking back at the choirs I have participated in throughout my life, and I don't ever remember such sparse numbers. And then I ask myself, "Is it me they don't like?" I know there are people out there who sing, but they just don't want to put forth the extra effort. We shall just have to keep praying for them.
Our Ward lost a very young member just a couple of weeks ago. He was only in his 50's...just about the same age as my baby sister. He suffered for a very long time as the result of severe obesity, which exacerbated his Diabetes and his respiratory problems. Ultimately, his heart gave out. He was a "gentle giant" and will be missed. He was an entertainer, a magician, and loved to be the clown for children. One of our Ward members, lovingly posted these remarks when he learned of his passing. "...I...think he passed as any magician would like...in the blink of an eye--Abracadabra! (Poof---he's gone)!"
On Friday night, January 30th, Dean and I had the remarkable privilege to attend (we managed to get the last two tickets...and had to sit miles apart!) one of the two concerts Willie Nelson gave in our fair little town. At 82, he is still amazing to me! I have loved his music for decades and this marks the third time we have seen him in concert. He never changes his style. He can "pluck" out a demanding jazz beat on his guitar and also give a soulful rendition of the blues. The timber of his voice is the same recognizable Willie that we have come to love, still hitting those low notes with ease. Gotta love that he is still around to entertain us.
I have saved this last bit for last, because it has been an interesting roller-coaster ride for Dean and I as Billy had (first of all) announced he was seeing a new "friend," and then he drove 2 1/2 hours to have breakfast with us last Sunday with her in tow, to announce that they are "boyfriend and girlfriend." I am thrilled that he has recovered from his broken heart only a few short months ago, but just pray that this relationship isn't moving too fast for him.
This weekend (January 31st), Billy brought his girlfriend AND her parents AND her two beautiful daughters to Lincoln City to meet us. Oh, dear...could this be getting serious? We had a delightful visit with all of them. They are a lovely family...not of our faith...not even close...but, as a wise ex-Bishop counseled me recently, get to know her as a person, and if she turns out to be the one he chooses, then "let him go!" I have chewed on those words, "let him go," for quite some time and said many prayers, and I am comforted that he is right. A parent's job is to teach their children correct principles...and in the end they will govern themselves. All I desire for Billy is that he finds lasting happiness...and if she is "the one" then my job is finished and his begins. I love you Billy. And I am learning to love you Alisha!
So, whether it is the very real possibility of losing your eyesight, stress at your job, anxiety over your Choir, the loss of a very young friend, having to sit on opposite ends of a Concert from your husband, or wondering if your son is moving too fast in a new relationship...these are the experiences that build us and prepare us for the final tests in this life. These are the experiences that produce "diamonds!" God is good...His Gospel is true...and I am truly a blessed Daughter of a loving Heavenly Father.
