Today was my first day of my second time teaching Seminary. I am so excited! At the beginning of September, the stake had a meeting for all of the seminary students in the Brampton area. Because those students who attend Mayfield Secondary School don't need to be at school until 8am, one of the parents suggested changing the time for seminary from 6:10am to 6:45am. It quickly became apparent that this wouldn't work because of the number of students that needed to be at school earlier. However, Brother McMullen agreed to talk to the Stake President about a later class for the Mayfield (and other late start schools) students. When Brother McMullen left the chapel, I did something I've never done before. I followed him out and volunteered for the calling. I realize that in the Church we neither seek nor decline a call from the Lord. But I love seminary and I just couldn't hold myself back.
Well, it worked and today was my first day. I have 13 fantastic students (including 2 of my own children). We're studying the Doctrine and Covenants and I couldn't be happier to be back doing the best calling in the Church!
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Comfort Food
I was working away in my home office a couple of weeks ago when I realized it was lunch time. Generally that would be cause for celebration as I anticipated the wonderful lunch Demarise would bring to me. There would be a delicious sandwich with just the right toppings and dressing to make it perfect. Probably a couple of slices of cheese on the side and some kind of nutritious snack.
But this day was different... Demarise wasn't home. I quickly went over my options. I could run into town and grab something at McDonalds, but that would take too long and cost too much. I could pretend I was fasting and just wait for dinner, but I was too hungry. I could fill up on junk food. That would have worked when I was younger, but now my body wants nutrition. Or, I could make something myself.
Resigned to the fact that I would need to feed myself, I headed into the kitchen. I opened the fridge hoping for leftovers I could warm up. Nothing. I opened the pantry looking for something quick and easy. I found a can of tomato soup and decided I could handle that. I read the instructions carefully and began my meal preparation. About halfway through the soup warming (stirring constantly) I decided to make a grilled cheese sandwich to go along with my meal. (I learned how to make grilled cheese on my mission).
Finally after completing my meal, I sat down to eat. As I began to eat, dipping my sandwich in the soup, I was overcome with an incredible feeling of well being and comfort. The warm soup caressed my throat as it slowly made it's way to my stomach and the crispy goodness of the grilled cheese sandwich seemed to relieve the stress of the day with every bite. My breathing became slower and more relaxed, my muscles released the tension of the day, and I was filled with gratitude for the blessings in my life. I realized, at once, that I had found my comfort food.
This experience had such an impact on me that I called my Mom to ask her if she used to feed my tomato soup and grilled cheese. And of course, she did, all the time. I think it's amazing that something as simple as a familiar food, or smell can trigger such feelings of peace, comfort and contentment. How wonderful that God allows us to revisit times of joy, happiness and simplicity when our world seems difficult, complicated and stressful.
But this day was different... Demarise wasn't home. I quickly went over my options. I could run into town and grab something at McDonalds, but that would take too long and cost too much. I could pretend I was fasting and just wait for dinner, but I was too hungry. I could fill up on junk food. That would have worked when I was younger, but now my body wants nutrition. Or, I could make something myself.
Resigned to the fact that I would need to feed myself, I headed into the kitchen. I opened the fridge hoping for leftovers I could warm up. Nothing. I opened the pantry looking for something quick and easy. I found a can of tomato soup and decided I could handle that. I read the instructions carefully and began my meal preparation. About halfway through the soup warming (stirring constantly) I decided to make a grilled cheese sandwich to go along with my meal. (I learned how to make grilled cheese on my mission).
Finally after completing my meal, I sat down to eat. As I began to eat, dipping my sandwich in the soup, I was overcome with an incredible feeling of well being and comfort. The warm soup caressed my throat as it slowly made it's way to my stomach and the crispy goodness of the grilled cheese sandwich seemed to relieve the stress of the day with every bite. My breathing became slower and more relaxed, my muscles released the tension of the day, and I was filled with gratitude for the blessings in my life. I realized, at once, that I had found my comfort food.
This experience had such an impact on me that I called my Mom to ask her if she used to feed my tomato soup and grilled cheese. And of course, she did, all the time. I think it's amazing that something as simple as a familiar food, or smell can trigger such feelings of peace, comfort and contentment. How wonderful that God allows us to revisit times of joy, happiness and simplicity when our world seems difficult, complicated and stressful.
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