The Perfect Sunday

Last night the boy's both got a great night sleep, which means I woke up with a permasmile glues to my face. We listened to church music as we ate breakfast and got ourselves ready for church. It isn't easy to get me and the boys ready to go by 9:00AM without Aaron's help, especially when it's a morning I need to shower, but thankfully I had Grandma and Aunt Alaina to help with Miles and we made it out the door just in time.

We headed to the stake center where a special stake meeting had been called. The stake president's brother-in-law just so happens to be Elder Russell M. Nelson, of the quorum of the 12 apostles, and while in town he would be addressing the stake. Could we have picked a better time to come for a visit!?! I have been to ONE session of General Conference when I was 19 years old, which was amazing, but aside form that I have never had the opportunity to see, meet, or hear a General Authority speak in person. I was really excited and tried to help AJ understand the importance of what was happening but I am not sure he really got it.

We had a great seat right in the chapel, thanks to Dad heading over 2 hours before the meeting to save our bench. We were there about and hour early and ten minutes before the meeting everyone stood as Elder & Sister Nelson walked in and headed to the front. I was sitting right on the isle and as they passed, Elder Nelson looked at me and said, "good morning." and away they went. It filled me with joy and I was glad that we had the opportunity to sing right away because I was so full of the spirit I thought I might burst.

It is an amazing thing to be in the presence of an apostle of the Lord. To feel the spirit they bring into a meeting, and see the way they interact with the saints. It made me think of the way Jesus must have been. Dedicated to his people, always in their service, and making time for everyone who has need of him.

The meeting was beautiful and my boys both did amazingly well, especially Miles considering he had been up since 6:15. There were two beautiful music numbers and 5 talks, including Elder and Sister Nelson. They spoke of the work, their travels, missionary opportunities, and the importance of recognizing and acting on our spiritual promptings. After Elder Nelson spoke AJ kept trying to get his attention by sitting in my lap and waving. It was only a minute or two before Elder and Sister Nelson were waving and smiling back just as vigorously as him. It was so cute and I was truly moved that they made the effort to acknowledge his gesture and even return it.

After the closing prayer AJ, Alaina, and I made our way up to the front to shake Elder Nelsons hand. There wasn't to many people still on the stage so the stake president showed us right over. After Alaina had shaken his hand AJ ran right up to him, hugs his leg, and said, "pick me up, pick me up!" Well elder nelson picked him right up and snuggled him close while AJ rested his head on Elder Nelsons shoulder. They stayed just like that while I shook his hand, thanked him for his remarks, and introduced myself and AJ. AJ just stayed snuggled on his shoulder and sister Nelson said,
"looks like this little guys coming with us."

Then Elder Nelson thanked his for waving and smiling at him and told him that he was going to make a great missionary one day.

"Yeah and I love you Elder Nelson. You could come to my house for my birthday party okay?"

"That sounds great AJ and I love you too." then his kissed his little check and set him down.

I fought back tears as I once more shook his hand and thanked him for everything. I can't describe the feelings I had as I watched my son share such a tender moment with one of the Lords apostles. My testimony has once again been strengthened as I sit here and count my many blessings. What a perfect sabbath day.