Fam'lies
Last Sunday, the 10th ward choir sang Loving Families, written by Barbara Dykstra, and arranged by Larry Beebe. It was my next to last opportunity to direct the choir in Sacrament Meeting. After coordinating with the Bishop, I opted to not put together a choir program. I had too many things going on, to give it the attention that it deserved. So, the primary is singing, the choir has a song, and the congregation will be singing It Came Upon a Midnight Clear, also arranged by Larry Beebe.
They did very well, but it was truly their spirits that made the words soar. The Spirit was never stronger. I had more people comment on the beauty and the message of the song, than any other song we have done. I credit the writer, and the arranger for the material, but mostly I credit the singers, for their testimonies born so strongly.
One month from today, I will turn in my badge, my credential, if I can find it, hand the keys over, and drive away from Twin, perhaps never to return. I will head to Rexburg, pick up Cal, and head home. Wyoming in the winter, just like when I came out. Hopefully the weather will be the same.
Every day it becomes harder to go to work, but I have too much to do to get ready for my replacement. He is here in a little over three weeks.
My people at work are all great, they have made my time here some of the happiest years that I have spent working. They accepted me, my ideas, and we worked together to make it a better place. I can't say enough about my associations, both here in Twin, and in the District, of which I have been one of thirteen ATMs. My boss has been very good, and patient with me, and my contrarian nature.
We have our Stake Come to Bethlehem program on the 8th, 9th and 10th of December. I look forward to that. I also have set up a quartet to sing in the Stake High Priest Quorum meeting. It will be interesting. We will be singing Adam-ondi-Ahman. #49 in the LDS Hymnal.
The 10th Ward has been wonderful. I have felt truly loved here. From my first Sunday. I laugh when they say it is one of the smaller wards here. It makes my ward in Paola seem so small in comparison. Biggest ward I have ever been in, and yet so loved. I try to sit on my bench, and bother no one, but that doesn't seem to last. Not bad, I guess. I will be singing a solo in 3 weeks. Christmas Child, also written by Barbara Dykstra, and arranged by Larry Beebe. I so love that piece. I must, as it is getting me to be in front of people facing them.
And the Temple. In Paola, I had thought St. Louis and Winter Quarters were close, compared to Dallas, Denver, or Chicago before. And then the Kansas City Missouri Temple. An hour away, if traffic is light. Here. Spoiled rotten. I will go back to KC and think about having to drive a full hour to get to the temple. An hour! The ten minute drive will be sorely missed.
So the name of the post? A return to home and hearth. To be reunited with my wife, to live in my house, and to work on my new life. No job. At least right now. How I miss being with family, and good friends. To be able to attend the temple with Sarah is something I look forward to. Mother, son, niece, and family, (including sister-in-law), grandson, daughters (Jessi included) all close. Certainly closer than the 3 hours that I so enjoy to drive to see Cal. (leaving in the morning for Thanksgiving dinner) Of course, no Snake River or mountains in KC.
Change is hard. With family, we can get through it, whether near, or far. It is in families that we find true joy. Yes, trials happen. As kids get older, they exercise agency in ways that may not be how we want. But they are still family, It is just hard to adapt. But I am trying. God's whole plan is based on them. This I know.
For more information on the Beebe Sound. Visit hymns.com Loving Families is an amazing piece, and just one of many.
They did very well, but it was truly their spirits that made the words soar. The Spirit was never stronger. I had more people comment on the beauty and the message of the song, than any other song we have done. I credit the writer, and the arranger for the material, but mostly I credit the singers, for their testimonies born so strongly.
One month from today, I will turn in my badge, my credential, if I can find it, hand the keys over, and drive away from Twin, perhaps never to return. I will head to Rexburg, pick up Cal, and head home. Wyoming in the winter, just like when I came out. Hopefully the weather will be the same.
Every day it becomes harder to go to work, but I have too much to do to get ready for my replacement. He is here in a little over three weeks.
My people at work are all great, they have made my time here some of the happiest years that I have spent working. They accepted me, my ideas, and we worked together to make it a better place. I can't say enough about my associations, both here in Twin, and in the District, of which I have been one of thirteen ATMs. My boss has been very good, and patient with me, and my contrarian nature.
We have our Stake Come to Bethlehem program on the 8th, 9th and 10th of December. I look forward to that. I also have set up a quartet to sing in the Stake High Priest Quorum meeting. It will be interesting. We will be singing Adam-ondi-Ahman. #49 in the LDS Hymnal.
The 10th Ward has been wonderful. I have felt truly loved here. From my first Sunday. I laugh when they say it is one of the smaller wards here. It makes my ward in Paola seem so small in comparison. Biggest ward I have ever been in, and yet so loved. I try to sit on my bench, and bother no one, but that doesn't seem to last. Not bad, I guess. I will be singing a solo in 3 weeks. Christmas Child, also written by Barbara Dykstra, and arranged by Larry Beebe. I so love that piece. I must, as it is getting me to be in front of people facing them.
And the Temple. In Paola, I had thought St. Louis and Winter Quarters were close, compared to Dallas, Denver, or Chicago before. And then the Kansas City Missouri Temple. An hour away, if traffic is light. Here. Spoiled rotten. I will go back to KC and think about having to drive a full hour to get to the temple. An hour! The ten minute drive will be sorely missed.
So the name of the post? A return to home and hearth. To be reunited with my wife, to live in my house, and to work on my new life. No job. At least right now. How I miss being with family, and good friends. To be able to attend the temple with Sarah is something I look forward to. Mother, son, niece, and family, (including sister-in-law), grandson, daughters (Jessi included) all close. Certainly closer than the 3 hours that I so enjoy to drive to see Cal. (leaving in the morning for Thanksgiving dinner) Of course, no Snake River or mountains in KC.
Change is hard. With family, we can get through it, whether near, or far. It is in families that we find true joy. Yes, trials happen. As kids get older, they exercise agency in ways that may not be how we want. But they are still family, It is just hard to adapt. But I am trying. God's whole plan is based on them. This I know.
For more information on the Beebe Sound. Visit hymns.com Loving Families is an amazing piece, and just one of many.
Comments
Post a Comment