So, school has come to an end, finals are over and done with and now I look ahead to three weeks of academic break. For the sake of holding on to my student status, I have signed up for a dance class this next winter but seeing as I am merely on the waiting list, I still have three weeks to decide whether I will actually pursue this class.
That aside...
I got the chance to go with my friends to their grandparents' home (for support, you see... it was my friend's first time meeting the family and seeing as she is dating the younger brother, I was invited to "save face"... not too bad, seeing as I got a meal in exchange and a less lonely first day of break). There was quite a bit of the family to meet and it was fun to discover that... it was not awkward for me to be there. I mean usually when one goes to such an occasion, you feel all out of sorts but not so. Which made it easier for me to pay attention to those I was talking to.
At one time after the meal, a group of us were sitting in the living room and the topic turned to the miracles of God and how in times of war there tend to be more than our fare share of protection from above.
The grandpa shared a few miraculous stories with us and as I paid close attention to his story, I also watched his mannerisms and the set of his face, the pace of his words and even the way he would stop for a breath to settle into the next sentence.
It struck me. This man reminded me of my own granddad (meaning the grandpa on my mother's side) and it was a rather poignant moment.
You see... my granddad is not a member of the Church, never has been. The unfortunate deterioration of time and drinking has not worn well on him and it breaks my heart to feel distance between us that did not use to be there. But having served in the military as well as this other grandfather, I stopped to wonder... does he have stories like this? Would he pick up on such stories? And lastly, would he attribute the outcomes to the grace of God?
Looking at my friend's grandpa this is what I was struck with: this could have been my granddad if he had been a member.
To be honest, I have not given up entirely on the hope that he might eventually find interest and seek more earnestly after the Church but I fear it will not be in this life. I love visiting my granddad but I wish that I could hear such stories of war seen in the light of hope, faith and Christ as I saw in this grandpa. The testimony that he plainly bore in spirit, tone and even the plain words he used to express his belief was beautiful and mighty to behold.
It showed me the importance of my faith not just now but later in my life. Will my grandchildren be able to gather around me and hear of the faith and hope in my life stories through to tough times or will my testimony fall into disrepair?
With Christmas just around the corner, my heart is most quickly turned toward the "reason for the season", to quote the ol' cliche. And I want to say that I am most thankful for my belief in Jesus Christ and in His ultimate sacrifice that gives us the opportunity to live with Him and our Heavenly Father once more. I am also thankful for this belief and, yes, even knowledge especially when things such as the Connecticut shooting occur. I certainly pray for those families who have lost their little ones, for the comfort and strength to continue living. But I know that the Lord has gathered those little ones close to Him and they will experience His everlasting peace and happiness. They came here for what they needed most and will continue to grow under His eyes.
I bear this testimony to you. In the name of the Father's Begotten Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.
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