October 12th = Four Weeks Down or 36 Years Tomorrow

Four weeks ago tonight I was  helping my son pack for a 24 month (104 week) LDS mission to Washington State.  I had cried thousands of tears that day, swung like a pendulum from miserable to ecstatic at least 20 times.  My house was cluttered, I was exhausted and close to the biggest meltdown in history!  My son was on the precipice of a grand, life changing experience.

Now, four weeks later, the pendulum is swinging in shorter arcs and the only tears that ran down my face today were when I put in dry eye drops.  B has left Utah for Washington and spends his days bringing the Gospel to the people there.  He live in a spacious part of the basement of some kind church members in the lovely city of Vancouver.  He is not just surviving but thriving as he devotes himself to the Lord. 

October 12th is also 36  years ago that I was baptized and became a member of the church that my son has chosen to devote 24 months of his life to.  So, it seems appropriate on the eve before my baptismal anniversary, as my son enters the fifth week of his mission, that I mention how I feel about that decision.

That baptism day made possible all of the good things that have happened since.  I met and married Hubby, who is one of the gentlest and most loving people on Earth.  We were blessed with six amazing children who have given us incredible grandkidlets who brighten everyday.  We've worked, struggled, been blessed and tried.  Through it all, I have learned to rely on my friend, my redeemer, my brother, Jesus Christ.  He loves me enough to have given His life for me.  Jesus Christ.  He has taken upon himself all of my faults, sins, weaknesses, and flaws.  He has made the ultimate sacrifice for me.  For me.

Four weeks.  Thirty-six years.  Eternity.  All made possible by that one solitary man - Jesus Christ.

Elder B, thank-you for blessing others with what I have been blessed with.  You are doing a wonderful thing  for those you bring the truth to.  It will change them forever as it has changed me.

Okay, I lied.  Tears are running down my face and it has nothing to do with eye drops.