THE MINISTRY OF ANGELS

Honestly, Thanksgiving is a holiday that I usually kind of skip over in my mind. I wouldn't cry if I missed it. I just get so anxious for December to come and I blame this on my life in years past. Once December came, then I knew my birthday would soon follow-- or that finals would come and go-- a new year would soon be upon us, a refreshing start-- a visit home with family-- a good break from school or work. And I just like the lights, music, gifts and treats a little more at Christmas. Who can blame me? After all, Thanksgiving is all about feasting and football and it's only ONE day. I was a picky eater as a kid and since I didn't learn how to throw a football until college... you can see why Christmas might be more up my alley.

But this past year was different. We celebrated Thanksgiving in Arizona, where Dan's sister, Stacie, and her husband, Austin, live. It was the gathering place for all-- all except for Dan's youngest brother, Ryan, who is still out serving an LDS mission in Argentina. I don't know why, but somehow when we got there our previously contracted colds vanished, my morning sickness began letting up and the comfort of family seemed to be just what the doctor ordered. Oh and the food. I must not forget the food-- it just tasted better than any other year I can remember. (You can see that my picky eater thing has diminished over time).


We had a blast being together, even though it was only for a few days. Whether it was watching Calli playing with her cousins or the boys out-doing each other in ridiculous challenges (speed napkin eating anyone?), late night games of Mafia (the fatigue is so worth watching people's reactions), Black Friday shopping with the girls or the visits to the temple-- it was just what we needed-- it was just about perfect.


One morning while we were down there, I read Elder Jeffrey R. Holland's talk, "The Ministry of Angels" and came upon this section that seemed appropriate:

"I have spoken here of heavenly help, of angels dispatched to bless us in time of need. But when we speak of those who are instruments in the hand of God, we are reminded that not all angels are from the other side of the veil. Some of them we walk with and talk with—here, now, every day. Some of them reside in our own neighborhoods. Some of them gave birth to us, and in my case, one of them consented to marry me. Indeed heaven never seems closer than when we see the love of God manifested in the kindness and devotion of people so good and so pure that angelic is the only word that comes to mind."


Thanks to all you who made this Thanksgiving happen. It meant a lot to us. We love you!