What Can We Do Today? (Celebrating a Sacred Season)

 

Dear family, dear friends                                                      Holidays 2022

Some people like to be reminded of what they are thankful for by what surrounds them.  You may not be close, but your presence in our heart counts!!  I was heartened recently as I reviewed counsel from a respected surgeon and religious leader, President Russell M. Nelson, who encouraged us to cherish and honor covenants, to lay challenges and difficulties on the kindly offered yoke of the Savior.

As we reflect on blessings:  2022 has brought a new grandchild, 

visits to most of our children.  Reunions with siblings.  Healing from a nearly severed finger.

Growth in learning that: “The way to tell you are getting better is to notice what you can do today that you had trouble with yesterday!"  What can we do today?   

 

1.  We can connect with children, grandchildren, mothers, siblings—

Val’s phone once run over by an unsuspecting vehicle a few summers ago has lovingly been replaced.  Now to become smart like phones! 

2.  We can walk, drive, sing and play.  The best part is play—Val’s restoration of a donated ping pong table has received enough use to claim it as part of the family.  Jury is out on who wins most.  Val joined the choir, and Laurene’s hand therapist says the best thing I can do is practice the organ for CHRISTMAS!  Yay.  Last year we made it through hand surgery.  This year we will sing and lift our fingers in anthem.  Hikes are a blessing, and Laurene’s Mom lives less than a half hour walk away. 

The reconstructed door of our car looks amazing, with the help of our neighbor’s best body work friend.  “All things made new,” is the new motto!  (2 Corinthians 5:17) 

                                                                  (Now to keep the speed limit! Daring you to drive 19.5 mph!)

3.  We can listen!  Please share your blessings.  One of the greatest treasures we count is rich memories, of God’s merciful interest, miracles, brightening of shadowed days.  We rejoice with you each for the “dayspring from on high (which) hath visited us.”  (Luke 1)

“77 To give ^aknowledge of salvation unto his people by the ^bremission of their sins,

78 Through the ^atender mercy of our God; whereby the ^bdayspring from on high hath visited us,

79 To give ^alight to them that sit in ^bdarkness and in the shadow of ^cdeath, to guide our feet into the way of peace.”

May your days and steps be filled with spring.  Even in the bleak midwinter.  

Love, from the Starkeys