Family and Overtime


We were blessed with an abundance of family time last week.  Monday, after mission devotional, we drove to Mapleton, Utah for the graveside service of Mary Challis.  There were several family members in attendance that could not be in Reno for the funeral.  Again, we were touched by the faith and strength of Mary’s children and grandchildren and by that of Elder Challis’, brother Dave—evidence of the Holy Ghost  as Comforter. 
            Challis siblings were together again on Friday evening to celebrate the birthday of Elder Challis’ sister, Annette.  Together, they pulled up a lot of shared growing-up memories and young parent memories that kept us laughing.  We were in need of “laughter medicine”—the best.
            Our grandson, Harrison, is a “high-five-plus-three” and looking forward to his baptism on October 12.  The family celebrated with him by eating his favorite dinner: hamburgers, corn on the cob, and watermelon.  Who wouldn’t want to celebrate that way?  We also got to cheer for him and his sister, Mary, in their soccer games on Saturday.
            Lest our blog readers think all we do is play, I will make note that there was overtime last week at the library, plus some homework.  Weariness, body and soul, after each shift. Brain strain and patience strain.  I am remined of Elder Neil A Maxwell’s observation:  “Sometimes spiritual obedience requires us to “hold on,” while at other times we are required to “let go” when everything in us wants to hold on. The customized challenges are often the toughest.”   For me, one of the greatest challenges is knowing when to “hold on” and when to “let go.”  

Finding strength in each other

Utah Valley kids

"I wouldn't use anything but Tide." 
                                                                    

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