The point

I've had some great experiences this week. A friend and I went on a date up to our former Bishop's house and helped them decorate for Christmas. Our date was lots of fun! My friend wasn't quite ready when I came over, and I had the opportunity to sit and wait in a very quiet apartment. My apartment is never quiet, and that was a really nice change. During that time I felt prompted to call a family that I've become really close to in Heber, and offer to watch their kids so the parents could go on a date. It's something I've been thinking about for awhile, but this time I finally resolved to do it.

So, on Friday, after coming home briefly, I drove back to Heber and took their kids to Swiss Christmas, while their parents went to dinner and a couple of book stores in Provo. The kids were SO good, and we had so much fun! I especially loved taking them to the creche exhibit and feeling the Spirit there. Their parents came home around 10:30 and we showed off the gingerbread house we had made, and they showed us the books they got. The kids went to bed at midnight, and then we adults stayed up talking until 3 am, and then we finally all went to bed. I stayed in their spare room.

Saturday, we all slept in and then got up and had breakfast, watched movies, played games, ran errands, and even worked on a truck. It felt like a quiet, relaxing Saturday. Finally, at 5:30, we got in our separate vehicles, me heading to Provo, them to Spanish Fork for a nephew's baptism. Well, around 10:30, I got a text from them, saying that they had seen my car in the parking lot. It turned out that they had missed the baptism because they had been told the wrong time, and had gone to the family dinner and then geocaching instead. I told them that sounded like fun. She sarcastically responded, "Yea everyone squished in the truck screaming and crying. Such a peaceful life!" I laughed and responded, "Maybe not peaceful but still always an adventure and so worth it! Thanks for letting me come this weekend! Be safe on your drive back!" She said, "Come anytime! Yes they are worth it! I told [my 4-year-old] to go to sleep. He said he can't cause there is water in his eyes. I told him there is water in his eyes because he is tired. So now he is going to sleep!" I laughed.

As I have struggled with other relationships in my life, their family has been a constant source of joy and absolute belonging for me. It's interesting, but I finally know what it feels like to have an older brother that got married, now complete with nieces and nephews. It feels so good to feel like a part of a family while I'm so far away from my own. I have cousins that aren't too far away, but, feeling that way with people I see almost daily is different, but so nice.

All of these experiences coupled with Christmas decorations and Christmas music has helped me to re-focus myself on the Savior and the point of this season. What a glorious thing it is to have the gospel and to understand the eternal nature of families and relationships. I've noticed the things that make all relationships and specifically marriages work, and the qualities that I need to develop in my own life. I have learned what it is to serve faithfully and without seeking recognition. I have learned what it means to be faithful and diligent in living the gospel - and then to be able to not only desire, but to expect blessings because of that faithful diligence.

Not one of the people I have learned from is perfect. But, they are striving, and they have impacted my life greatly. I am forever grateful for their friendship, and my opportunity to learn from them. This truly is the point. The point of life, and especially, the purpose of a Babe born in a stable far away, who taught us all, by example, the principles of a happy, joyous life both here, and in the life to come. For Him, His Atonement and His unfailing love for me, and each of us I am grateful, and of them I bear witness, with the hope that you may seek to know Him better this Christmas season - for it is Him we celebrate.