From Dad April 19, 2015

Sunday, April 19, 2015

Re:  Letter 19 of 3

Dear Riley:

Well, another whirlwind week has come and gone.  In a word…Exhausting!  Late Wednesday afternoon we decided to do something as a family for Spring Break.  Thursday morning we hiked the Y.  Josie, the little trooper, hiked the entire way on her own and still had energy to run around when she got back to the truck  I know Mom already filled you in on the rest of the Spring Break activities, so I won’t repeat them. I can attest, however, to the pains of aging.  It may also be the effects of too little strenuous activity followed by considerable exertion. Whatever the reason, I’ve been sore for the past two days in places I’d forgotten had muscles.  The youngest kids seem to be no worse for wear.  Oh to have the energy and vitality of youth and the wisdom and experience of the elderly!  I guess that’s one of the blessings we’ll enjoy following the resurrection. 

Yesterday started out with Stake Baptisms and Bishop’s duties.  By the time I got around to the domestic duties at hand it was 2:00 PM.  I haven’t gotten my bees yet, but they could be ready any day now and I wanted to make a nice place in the garden for the hive.  So I poured a small level pad of concrete on the East end of the garden.  While I was waiting for the concrete to cure enough to finish, I watered the garden, cleaned up tools, and sprayed weeds.  On account of cooler weather, a setting sun, and regular concrete (as opposed to rapid set) I wound up putting the finishing touches to the surface at 11:00 PM under halogen lamps.  At least it’s done and I have a home for the bees when they arrive.  Spring just fills me with motivation to finish outside projects and I want to get as much as possible done before the summer heat robs me of initiative.

In spite of incredibly pleasant weather, though shockingly dry for the season, we occasionally have cold snaps which can plunge over 30 degree in a night to the mid to upper 20’s.  There were a couple days I thought I might have lost apricots and even damaged my Red Delicious Apple tree.  All survived though, and It looks like I can expect a decent harvest of Grapes, Apples, and Apricots.  Looking forward to it!

The 9:00 AM Sunday schedule usually leaves some time for family in the afternoon.  Today was not one of those days.  I had PEC welfare meeting followed by interviews all the way till 4:00 PM, an in-home baby blessing at 4:30, family birthday dinner over at Grandma’s at 5:00, and a Priesthood Preview at 7:00.  By the time I got home and was writing your letter, you were already online.  I’m exhausted physically and spiritually, but it was a good day with some significant spiritual outpourings. 

We really enjoyed family this evening.  Even though I was only able to spend a little over 90 minutes over at Grandma’s, T and J & family, J and H & family, and J and A & family were all there.  It was like old times and very comfortable.  We laughed and laughed as we reminisced about adventures of the past.  I hope people don’t look back on my kids the way many undoubtedly look back on me and my siblings.  What can I say?  Without a television, we needed to do something to burn off energy.  Good memories!

I received a text message with a photo last Wednesday.  I didn’t recognize the number and couldn’t make out the picture until I expanded it.  C A went through the Gilbert Arizona temple.  You’ll remember she was in the Temple Preparation class with you.  She looks so radiant and happy.  She was the last of all her 7 siblings to go through the Temple, and all of her siblings were there for the occasion.  One even flew out from Kansas or somewhere back east. I was moved to tears.  I know this is just one individual and it may not even shift percentages by enough to notice.  However, Heavenly Father and Christ are more concerned with the individual than with numbers, and I feel Their rejoicing.  When I see the happiness and peace it brings into a person’s life, it’s hard to understand why people would treat the Temple lightly or revile against an organization which bears such beautiful fruits.  This is where it’s at and a small success makes up for a lot of work by the happiness it brings.

Your mission will be a lot like this.  I know things seem slow and difficult right now, but the scriptures, especially the Book of Mormon, is full of examples where patience and longsuffering in combination with fasting, prayer, study, and obedience brought tremendous blessings in time.  I find that Heavenly Father occasionally gives us small victories along the way which boost our confidence, brighten our outlook, and make the hard work seem worth it.  Stay the course!  Great things are in store.  We love the pictures and letters, and Mom is counting the days until Mother’s day and a phone call from her favorite missionary!

Love You!

Dad