A Sweet Sabbath Surprise

It was a busy Sunday -- After Music and the Spoken Word, we raced to the Taylor's Draper ward where the girls had been asked to perform a musical number, then raced back downtown for Lauren's Farewell. (She is a friend from OTS and was Audrey's roommate on our Tabernacle Choir tour.)

We walked into Lauren's chapel late and waited quietly for the Sacrament to be completed. I glanced to my right to see Elder Jeffrey R. Holland and his wife, Patricia enter. They smiled; I shook his hand, and we waited together.

He, of course was invited to sit on the stand. Sister Holland sat in the overflow near us. The entire meeting I thought to myself, "Why in the world didn't I shake HER hand? She is valued and loved too!" I wonder if she ever feels neglected in a world where Elder Holland holds so much importance. I vowed to myself that I would make this wrong right if I had the opportunity after the meeting.

Two new missionaries shared the pulpit. Lauren's message was sweet and thoughtful. She will be a great missionary! She has such a firm testimony and desire to serve. 

After they spoke, Elder Holland gave a few remarks. I should learn to always keep a small notebook with me because my memory fails me and there was so much that I wanted to remember. Please note that these are NOT direct quotes but will give you the idea.

*I am not the one to ask if you should serve a mission. I am partial and biased. I would pin you to the ground with my knee on your throat and say "GO!" Every young man should go. Every young woman should consider serving. There is nothing you could do that would be as important as the salvation of God's children.

*I would not sacrifice every minute of my life, my family, my grandchildren if this gospel was a giant scam that someone dreamed up with a pad of paper and a pencil. It is the true restored gospel of Jesus Christ. 

He did not mince words -- they were direct and powerful. We felt the spirit of his testimony.

I did not want to return home with any regrets, so after the meeting I gave Sister Holland

a hug and told her how much I love and appreciate her. She gave Audrey a hug, and Randy expressed his thanks for sharing her husband with the rest of the world.

We returned home spiritually fed and smiling.