The Calm Before the Storm

Okay, so Sacrament meeting went really well today.  I gave my talk, and I didn't have time to get nervous for it.  My wonderful father told me he saw an angel standing behind me.  I don't doubt him, because I've seen that angel there before.  Well, not while I've spoke, but while others have spoken.  It's reassuring to know that you're saying the things that Heaven needs you to say.  I didn't rehearse half of my talk.  I didn't even have most of it written down, even in outline format.  I'm sure you could tell when I was speaking from my heart, because I stuttered over a few words.  But I said what I needed to say.

It was quite funny though, because at one point, I asked the congregation of young single adults if they were texting.  Yeah, about six heads popped up.  I'm pretty sure they were texting.  Ha ha ha.

Family seems to be the conversation topic today.  I have 3 nieces and 4 nephews, and I don't get to see 2 of my nieces and 1 of my nephews very often, and it's hard for me.  I don't think I'll ever have any more nieces and nephews, though, so it's sad.  And my nieces and nephew that are in Ohio... They're growing up so fast.  My oldest niece is 14.  She's only 7 years younger than me...

Then, there's the dead to remember.  My wonderful Grandma Parks died 15 years ago last month.  This Saturday, it will be 3 years since my favorite Uncle passed away (I'm pretty sure it's 3 years, if I'm wrong, someone, please correct me).

Today, I talked to a childhood friend of mine.  She recently lost her grandfather.  And then, there was the wonderful woman from my home ward that recently passed away.  Death is a hard thing to deal with.

That's why I'm so grateful for the gospel.  I'm so grateful to know that our family relationships can continue after this lifetime.  I'm so grateful for the hope of being able to see my Grandma and my Uncle again, and maybe possibly meeting my Grandpa.  Family is so important to me.

Today went off relatively without a hitch.  So, have my biggest trials recently passed?  Or is this the calm before everything gets ridiculously crazy?  I don't know, but for the first time in a long time, I'm excited to see what will come, even if it's difficult to go through.  I know something good is coming, no matter how long I will have to wait.