nuggets of gold among the fluff of life

The "coincidences" are coming fast & furious lately. Here's a sampling:

* We wanted to change/add something to our meeting room policy, to be able to re-book the room in a reasonable time in the event of a "no-show." I ask one of the librarians to type up the revised form so I could send it on to the City for approval. When he finished, he noted that we revised it exactly 9 years to the day when the document was originally created (February 25, 2000 right there on the bottom--I hadn't even noticed!)

*Was talking to the EQ Pres. today, and he said he went hometeaching last night to an inactive family. His companion was our High Counselor rep, and they had a great visit with this family whom we haven't seen in months. Turns out during the visit they discovered that the family will be moving next month into Yelm Ward boundaries, the very ward the High Counselor is in! Will make for a smooth transition and hopefully, changed attitudes.

*I just figured out how to access something on my computer that I was having difficulty with, and talking to the Circ Supervisor about it, discovered she had wanted to do the very same thing and didn't know how to do it.

*I was going out to get a gift card to give to someone but wasn't sure what kind to get--what one she would appreciate and use the most. I had two places in mind, and then happened to speak to the person about something unrelated and she mentioned one of the places I was considering. Decision made!

Some silly, some fun, some potentially life-changing, but all bring a certain spice to the day!

Lessons from the Bonsai

A gentleman came into the library yesterday with a self-published book he wanted to donate to the library. As I was looking through it today in preparation for sending him a thank-you note, I was struck by its wisdom and beauty. One particular section was especially poignant to me, as it reflected the circumstance I find myself in at this time. It was titled, "Sometimes You Need to be Repotted." I am facing "repotting" this Sunday as I will be released from my 3-year calling as Relief Society President. I know it is the right time for a change, but I can't help but indulge in a bit of "did I do all I could?" and reflect on my stewardship. This book was a little message to me that 'repotting' ensures growth, health and vitality, both for me and the Relief Society I served. I need to accept where I am planted and then give my all to be the best I can, then I can be confident that my efforts are acceptable. Onward!

Let them eat cake

So, we got rid of all the vending machines at the library about 2 weeks ago. Dealing with refunds for vending glitches were high on the list of staff pet peeves, which tipped the scales in their demise. This morning I came in to find this report from the Person-In-Charge last night:

Imagine my surprise when a teen approached me Wednesday evening to inform me that "The drink machine ate my $1.50".

In response, I blinked a few times, stared blankly at him, and asked, "Which machine ate your money?"

Now here's the best part: he led me to the entrance, glanced around confused, and promptly turned beet red.

I managed to get him to explain that a friend put him up to it, telling him that he'd get a free $1.50. As dishonest and mischievious as this was, I think his absolute embarassment in front of all the people coming in and out was punishment enough.

It's a telestial world out there. Is it any wonder that kids without the gospel in their lives have their hands out to get something for nothing, when there are so many examples of dishonesty and greed all around us? But then I have hope for the world when I hear stories of how my daughters are raising their children in truth and righteousness (from SimplySiemers blog):

"I called to Paige. She came in and looked like she had been eating something. Asking her what was in her mouth, she said, "Nuthin." "What are you eating?" "Nothing." "Open your mouth." "No." Then she started to walk away. "Where are you going? What are you doing?" "I lick my fingers." "You are not in trouble, I just want to know what you are eating. It is okay. You just need to be honest and tell me the truth." I followed her into my room and saw the dishes on the floor by Jason's side of the bed, including a paper plate containing a giant uneaten piece of birthday cake I had brought him from work last night. Knowing instantly what she had been eating, and seeing the finger line through the frosting, I asked her if she had eaten some cake. "I want eat the cake." I told her she was not in trouble, that she could have one bite (it was too tempting to leave it out like that and too mean to tease her with it there) but then she had to eat breakfast. I then reiterated the need for her to tell the truth. We then practiced back and forth that when I say, "What are you eating," she says, "Cake."

I do believe in fairies, I do, I do!

There is nothing like Disneyland with a 5-year-old! There is a fine line though, between assuring her that the pirates and wicked witches aren't real ("They are dolls, right Gramma?") and wanting to preserve the magic of it all ("You got hugs from Cinderella, Snow White, Sleeping Beauty, Belle and Minnie Mouse today!!") We took the Riverboat Cruise and, upon passing the Indian Village, she asked why the Indian had animal skins on his head. I told her that the Indians believed animals' spirits influenced their world. Renee said, "I believe in everything!"  Which is why, in spite of a letter from the princesses saying the ghosts in the Haunted Mansion weren't real, and my constant chant in Pirates that it was all make-believe,  she still was mad at me for taking her into the Haunted Mansion and on the Pirates of the Caribbean.  Hopefully, all is forgiven with the many other happy memories compensating for the scary ones.

Word Power

Reading the D&C, I've been pondering that words (God's, anyway but I think ours too sometimes) can be "quick and powerful, sharper than a two-edged sword."  Words can hurt, incite, heal, nurture, and enlighten. Some powerful words:

"God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, appeared to Joseph Smith in this grove." (Sign outside of Sacred Grove, Palmyra NY)

Hearing the story of Joseph's experience changed my life 38 years ago.  Rich and I plan to go on a mission after we retire--I look forward to bringing the words of the restoration to others, but for now, I try to be sure my words don't injure, but uplift. 

Like Sami's recent post, I think it's important to be proactive in building relationships. Let a teacher know you enjoyed her lesson; thank your family member for doing the dishes (even if it is "his turn"); say "I'm sorry" even if it isn't all your fault. And say, "I love you" sincerely and often.  Life is short --live with no regrets.