TMM Where the Spirit Dwells Matters
One night last month, right after dark, we had a knock on our door. We looked at each other. No one ever knocks at our door! I opened the door and found two young women who were out selling energy contracts. They had been working all day. One said, “Your apartment smells SO good! We never come to a place that smells good.” We invited them in because Jim had just made a (keto) “carrot” cake, and it did smell heavenly. The cake was still hot, so no yummy cream-cheese frosting yet, but we wrapped up some giant, warm, spicy pieces for the visitors. We told them that we were missionaries here, teaching teens and young adults, and they recognized the badges they were used to seeing on young elders or sisters. We talked to the ladies for a few moments, wished them luck, and said our kindest good-byes. I had not been able to find so much as a pass-along card to give them! Fast forward two or three weeks. The doorbell rings, and the two young ladies are once again at our door—just to say, “Hi.” Unbelievably, Jim had made another cake that day! We talked to the women about education, families, etc., but I was still unprepared with no pass-along cards. It turns out that they just liked us and this little place we call home. We begged them to talk to the missionaries next time they see some out and about.
We were telling some Sisters(who had stopped by our apartment) about these two experiences, and they said they completely understood because being with us was like walking into a place filled with the Spirit. I had not even thought about that. The Sisters said when they are out teaching, they have to work so hard to bring the spirit into the homes they visit. When they walked into our home, they said, they could relax because that spirit was already here. You mean those energy ladies didn’t come back seeking more cake?!?! Even though we didn’t have pass-alongs or scriptures to give them, we did have comfort and joy to impart. Maybe that will be enough that when the Elders or Sisters find them, they will remember, and they will listen to the gospel message.
We are feeling a little displaced since our teaching has been suspended for now. We are sure every day will be Saturday! Or Sunday—since we plan to watch a lot of videos, study, journal, and learn. This next week is spring break in Laredo. We had to cancel a visit to Austin to see my 91-year-old Aunt Raeola. (We don’t want to put her in jeopardy, especially since she has been in the hospital.) It is very weird to me that we are also seniors—and Jim with some chronic conditions, so we are cautious. Young Women’s camp had 78 girls signed up to attend. A few broken hearts! Missionaries had 18 baptisms planned for today. The temple is closed except for live endowments and sealings that were scheduled. I guess we were warned that the April 2020 general conference would be like no other. It will be unforgettable. Maybe we will ALL pay rapt attention. The Lord has MY attention! We love you. Chins up. It will all be okay. Every one of you is in our prayers.
