December 19, 2011
Today it was not only through my eyes, by through my ears. It was a wonderful, magical Christmas music day. Early Sunday morning Melissa and I arrived at the massive conference center to listen to the annual Christmas version of Music and the Spoken Word, together with a mini-concert following. We knew it would be good and were excited to finally be there. Somehow, once you are there it is even better than you imagine. Our seats were in the balcony, on the very front row, right in the center, which turned out to be perfect. We had a great view of all the action, perfect balance of sound and the jumbo screens to give us the close-up detail we lacked from our seats. We loved it. I always enjoy the choir, but seeing (and hearing them) in person is something that a music lover must experience for themselves. Once again they did not disappoint.
The decorators had done their usual masterful work and the stage glistening with lights, snow covered the branches of dozens of trees placed in various arches of two towering castles, each aglow from their stained glass windows. Overhead two gigantic ribbons formed a frame for the stage, each centered by a festive arrangement. The set was so elaborate but blended beautifully with the pipes from the organ. Nestled in the center was the 360 voiced choir and over 100 piece orchestra. During the performance it even had room for 100 dancers and the two special guests, Nathan Gunn (gorgeous baritone voice) and narrator actress Jane Seymore. What a totally wonderful Christmas experience.
Tonight, we enjoyed another Christmas musical tradition, the West Jordan Symphony's presentation of their annual Messiah sing-along. Musicians perhaps not as skilled as the Tab choir and orchestra, but not any less enthusiastic. We enjoyed following along with our own musical score and sang along as best we could, not concerned that we weren't hitting all the runs or totally accurate on each note. The point was just enjoying that incredible masterpiece of music. It is a community sing-along, meant to be enjoyed by families, young and old, through all stages of life. One child danced in the isle with a jingle bell around her neck. She was singing along in her own way with her dance moves. Many chose not to sing and just enjoyed listening. We got involved, sang at the top of our lungs and came home grateful that we had experienced this wonderful music once again. So the Tab. Choir to start our day and the Messiah to end it. That's what I saw and heard through the windows of my eyes and ears. What did you see today?
Thursday, December 22, 2011
December 17, 2011
I am a cord tender. A few years ago in order to conserve money, our church leaders did away with paid janitorial staff for many church facilities and instead have asked local members to care for their local meetinghouses. This is met with mixed success but in our current ward it organized, well staffed and dedicated. The average age in our current ward is about 75. For one month out of every 4 or 5 when it is our responsibility this ward turns out in mass, scours that massive building and are back in their homes in under an hour each Saturday morning.
My first experience was a little overwhelming. I considered the age of our ward members and figured I better sign up and show up because many would be unable to do the work (or so I thought). The set time was 8 a.m. Saturday morning. I showed up right on time. Seated in the lobby was a gentleman with a chair, table, a list of those volunteers who were expected to come and several 3 x 5 cards. I reported for duty, was given a card outlining my task to wash the windows in the foyer on the west side of the building. I was given the needed supplies and off I went to do my task. It was an easy job, and was completed in approximately 15 minutes. I returned my supplies, reported to the task keeper and requested another assignment. Much to my surprise I was told that I was done. “What” I asked, “I've only been here 15 minutes”. He looked again at his 3 x 5 cards and informed me that all tasks were done or already assigned and I could go home. I looked at him in stunned silence before saying something clever like “are you serious”. He laughed at me and said, no you are done, go home. I learned in this ward, 8 actually means 7:45 and literally means if you snooze you lose. Others had arrived early, done their job and left little for me to do.
Today for my 2nd experience I tried to be a little earlier, I didn't want to miss out. What would I do today, wash more windows, dust the furniture, what lay in store? None of those ordinary jobs for me. I was assigned to be a cord tender. One of the men had already pulled a giant vacuum from the maintenance closet and had begun to vacuum the foyer. My job was to follow behind him, pick up the cord so he didn't get tangled in it and move small things (such as garbage cans) our of his way. This is more complicated than it sounds and is really an important job. If I failed to fulfill my responsibilities in an efficient manner, the progress of the vacuum was slowed and the job took much longer than necessary. I learned to anticipate the operator's moves and snap that cord away at just the right moment. I hustled around that church dragging and moving that cord like a pro. By the time we finished the foyers, hallways, relief Society room, primary room and the chapel I was really getting the hang of it. I must have done a good job because the vacuum operator told me I was the best cord tender he'd ever had. Wow, I guess he overlooked the three times I managed to tangle the cord in the vacuum or accidentally pulled the plug while he was still vacuuming, or maybe he was just trying to boost my confidence, but I finished all pumped and ready to go again. We finished that huge building in just under an hour and I have added a new item to my list of job credits “cord tender” and now you know.
Seeing that beautiful building in a new light and gaining a new respect for what is involved in its care is what I could see through the windows of my eyes this morning. What do you see out your window?
I am a cord tender. A few years ago in order to conserve money, our church leaders did away with paid janitorial staff for many church facilities and instead have asked local members to care for their local meetinghouses. This is met with mixed success but in our current ward it organized, well staffed and dedicated. The average age in our current ward is about 75. For one month out of every 4 or 5 when it is our responsibility this ward turns out in mass, scours that massive building and are back in their homes in under an hour each Saturday morning.
My first experience was a little overwhelming. I considered the age of our ward members and figured I better sign up and show up because many would be unable to do the work (or so I thought). The set time was 8 a.m. Saturday morning. I showed up right on time. Seated in the lobby was a gentleman with a chair, table, a list of those volunteers who were expected to come and several 3 x 5 cards. I reported for duty, was given a card outlining my task to wash the windows in the foyer on the west side of the building. I was given the needed supplies and off I went to do my task. It was an easy job, and was completed in approximately 15 minutes. I returned my supplies, reported to the task keeper and requested another assignment. Much to my surprise I was told that I was done. “What” I asked, “I've only been here 15 minutes”. He looked again at his 3 x 5 cards and informed me that all tasks were done or already assigned and I could go home. I looked at him in stunned silence before saying something clever like “are you serious”. He laughed at me and said, no you are done, go home. I learned in this ward, 8 actually means 7:45 and literally means if you snooze you lose. Others had arrived early, done their job and left little for me to do.
Today for my 2nd experience I tried to be a little earlier, I didn't want to miss out. What would I do today, wash more windows, dust the furniture, what lay in store? None of those ordinary jobs for me. I was assigned to be a cord tender. One of the men had already pulled a giant vacuum from the maintenance closet and had begun to vacuum the foyer. My job was to follow behind him, pick up the cord so he didn't get tangled in it and move small things (such as garbage cans) our of his way. This is more complicated than it sounds and is really an important job. If I failed to fulfill my responsibilities in an efficient manner, the progress of the vacuum was slowed and the job took much longer than necessary. I learned to anticipate the operator's moves and snap that cord away at just the right moment. I hustled around that church dragging and moving that cord like a pro. By the time we finished the foyers, hallways, relief Society room, primary room and the chapel I was really getting the hang of it. I must have done a good job because the vacuum operator told me I was the best cord tender he'd ever had. Wow, I guess he overlooked the three times I managed to tangle the cord in the vacuum or accidentally pulled the plug while he was still vacuuming, or maybe he was just trying to boost my confidence, but I finished all pumped and ready to go again. We finished that huge building in just under an hour and I have added a new item to my list of job credits “cord tender” and now you know.
Seeing that beautiful building in a new light and gaining a new respect for what is involved in its care is what I could see through the windows of my eyes this morning. What do you see out your window?
December 13, 2011
Life, gives us small treasures if we only take a moment to look out our window to see them. Sometimes it is the windows of our homes or cars, but perhaps more often the windows of our eyes. I'm not much of a writer, and I'm not sure anyone would be interested in reading what I write, but I'm toying with writing a blog if for no one but myself. I'm going to call it Through My Window. I'll have to get someone to help me set it up, I'm not too tech savvy but I thought if I start writing, the rest will happen, so now I begin.
I've been sick for a few days. My sweet husband out of concern for my health banned me from leaving the house. I'd slept poorly, tried to nap and rest and nothing was working. Finally I settled down with a book in our living room in a big, comfy chair next to the Christmas tree. After reading a page a two I slipped quietly into the much needed nap. When I woke, I was looking directly into the branches of our beautiful Christmas tree. Little white lights shimmered in my eyes and bounced beams off the red and gold ornaments. It gave me a kind of magical awakening from my healing rest. I began to look around the room at the nativity scenes temporarily replacing the books on the shelves. I stopped to look at the Christmas music waiting to be played on the piano. As my gaze traveled further I looked out the window to see snow gently falling. I was filled with such a peace and wonder for this beautiful season. What a very special reminder of how blessed I am and how grateful I am for the knowledge that the Christ child is the reason we have for this season with all its beautiful trappings. I'm still sick, but I'm mindful that without that, I would have missed a magical and very special moment.
That's what I saw today out the window of my eyes and home. Take a moment to drink in the peace of the season and take a look, what do you see out your window?
December 14, 2011
Through My Window
Today out my window I watched the tender endings of one season of life and the beginnings of a new phase for our neighbors. We live in a senior community and though we are at the back of the community I can still see many things out our window.
A couple that have lived here for 18 years or so are moving to an assisted living center today. Both the husband and wife are in their 90s. They have lived full and rich lives. Together they have weathered the storms of life, raised a loving family, traveled the world and given a lifetime of service including multiple missions for our church. LaFaye has loved working in her over planted little garden plot which has been a bit of an eyesore for the neighbors, but a statement of independence for her. Even that is too much for her now and they can no longer care for themselves and their home and it is time once again to cut back and move on. It has been tender to watch the transition.
Early this morning a moving truck pulled up and the painful moving process began. Furniture and boxes were loaded into the truck, children came and piled bags and odds and ends into their vehicles and slowly the house was emptied. One daughter was comforted by her husband as she silently wiped away streaming tears as she stepped away for a moment from the activities.
Finally and slowly, LaFaye came out of the house, walking carefully across the snowy street using her trademark walking sticks to steady herself. Her steps seemed slower than usual, her head down a little more. Neighbors came out to greet, hug and express love and best wishes and finally she eased her way into the car to be driven off to her new home, only a block away but a huge step again away from her independence. Faithful and true, she turned her face forward and goes forth with courage and hope into her future. God be with her.
That is what is out my window today. How about yours?
Life, gives us small treasures if we only take a moment to look out our window to see them. Sometimes it is the windows of our homes or cars, but perhaps more often the windows of our eyes. I'm not much of a writer, and I'm not sure anyone would be interested in reading what I write, but I'm toying with writing a blog if for no one but myself. I'm going to call it Through My Window. I'll have to get someone to help me set it up, I'm not too tech savvy but I thought if I start writing, the rest will happen, so now I begin.
I've been sick for a few days. My sweet husband out of concern for my health banned me from leaving the house. I'd slept poorly, tried to nap and rest and nothing was working. Finally I settled down with a book in our living room in a big, comfy chair next to the Christmas tree. After reading a page a two I slipped quietly into the much needed nap. When I woke, I was looking directly into the branches of our beautiful Christmas tree. Little white lights shimmered in my eyes and bounced beams off the red and gold ornaments. It gave me a kind of magical awakening from my healing rest. I began to look around the room at the nativity scenes temporarily replacing the books on the shelves. I stopped to look at the Christmas music waiting to be played on the piano. As my gaze traveled further I looked out the window to see snow gently falling. I was filled with such a peace and wonder for this beautiful season. What a very special reminder of how blessed I am and how grateful I am for the knowledge that the Christ child is the reason we have for this season with all its beautiful trappings. I'm still sick, but I'm mindful that without that, I would have missed a magical and very special moment.
That's what I saw today out the window of my eyes and home. Take a moment to drink in the peace of the season and take a look, what do you see out your window?
December 14, 2011
Through My Window
Today out my window I watched the tender endings of one season of life and the beginnings of a new phase for our neighbors. We live in a senior community and though we are at the back of the community I can still see many things out our window.
A couple that have lived here for 18 years or so are moving to an assisted living center today. Both the husband and wife are in their 90s. They have lived full and rich lives. Together they have weathered the storms of life, raised a loving family, traveled the world and given a lifetime of service including multiple missions for our church. LaFaye has loved working in her over planted little garden plot which has been a bit of an eyesore for the neighbors, but a statement of independence for her. Even that is too much for her now and they can no longer care for themselves and their home and it is time once again to cut back and move on. It has been tender to watch the transition.
Early this morning a moving truck pulled up and the painful moving process began. Furniture and boxes were loaded into the truck, children came and piled bags and odds and ends into their vehicles and slowly the house was emptied. One daughter was comforted by her husband as she silently wiped away streaming tears as she stepped away for a moment from the activities.
Finally and slowly, LaFaye came out of the house, walking carefully across the snowy street using her trademark walking sticks to steady herself. Her steps seemed slower than usual, her head down a little more. Neighbors came out to greet, hug and express love and best wishes and finally she eased her way into the car to be driven off to her new home, only a block away but a huge step again away from her independence. Faithful and true, she turned her face forward and goes forth with courage and hope into her future. God be with her.
That is what is out my window today. How about yours?
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