Super Saturday

In 2009 we began a new family tradition called "Super Saturdays." Once a month we spend an entire Saturday just playing as a family. We try to choose an activity that is especially fun and out-of-the-ordinary. For example, in January we spent a morning at Kangaroo Zoo--our local fun spot filled with gigantic inflatables where the kids can climb, slide and bounce to their heart's content.

Super Saturdays have been a huge sucess and the kids look forward to each one with great anticipation. In fact, as we were eating breakfast last Saturday Isabel asked, "Is today Super Saturday?" She was disappointed to learn it was still a week away. And even more disappointed to learn that we were going out after breakfast to pull weeds so we could get the front yard ready to plant spring flowers.

Once we got the weeds under control Brian decided to take a break and asked Isabel if she'd like to practice riding her bike for awhile. Last summer we tried to coax her to ride a 2-wheeler but no avail. On this particular morning, however, she must have had an extra serving of determination for breakfast because she jumped right on her bike and after just 2 or 3 tries she was riding like a pro. As she tried to master the finer points of stopping, starting, and turning she would occasionally fall. But every time without fail she would jump back up and say, "I'm not going to give up." She continues to improve each time she rides.

It was so exciting to watch my oldest child reach another major milestone in her development. I learned from her example that it isn't necessary to run faster than you have strength--in Isabel's case to try to ride a 2-wheeler before she was ready. But that when you set your mind on a task and work at it with determintation and pace yourself you can accomplish anything.

In my humble opinion, this was the best "Super Saturday" yet. (Think of me fondly as I spend next Saturday hanging out at Chuck E. Cheese.)

Fishing with Jesus

I work with Priest age (16-18) young men in my LDS ward. There are several of the young men that don't participate with the group for whatever reason. I haven't devoted much time recently to maintain contact with them, and I have felt a mounting desire over the last few weeks to do more.

On Monday for Family Home Evening it was my turn to teach. I shared a quick lesson about Jesus asking Peter to let down his net and go fishing. (I love stories about Jesus, especiallly ones that involve fishing.) Peter didn't want to fish because others had been fishing a long time and hadn't caught anything. Jesus told him to let down his nets anyway. As you may recall, the nets were filled to capacity. I bore testimony that when Jesus asks us to do something he will make our efforts worthwhile.

As I was testifying I had the thought, "Does that apply to _________ in your quorum?"

I responded, "I have tried so many times before and nothing came of it. I am just pestering him at this point."

"Do it anyway."

So on Tuesday I stopped by the houses of three young men and invited them to an activity we were having the following night. One of the young men was sick and his dad though he wouldn't be able to make it. The other two were wisy-washy and non-committal. I sent a text message to the rest of the quorum asking them to pray that young man would feel better.

At the activity the next day all of those young men were in attendance and had a great time. It was a testimony to me that Jesus still fishes. The scriptures are true. They apply to me.

The Balloon Incident

So the other day I took Jay with me to pick up a pizza. The pizza place was giving away balloons which delighted Jay. As we were getting back into our vehicle the balloon somehow came loose from Jay's wrist and it floated away. Jay was distraught, angry and comfortless. He cried [insert loud adverb here] all the way home.

As I was driving home with the noise, I pondered what had happened.

We were happy before we went into the pizza place.
We weren't expecting a balloon.
The balloon was free

Yet, when that free, unexpected gift was lost, Jay became distraught.

I began to think of all of the free gifts I have received in life - and how distraught I get when one is lost, broken, temporarily unavailable, or taken away. Perhaps there is a key there for me - to recognize free gifts. I should take care of them while they are in my possession, but I shouldn't let the loss of a free gift make me unhappy.