The Gap

In Sacrament Meeting yesterday, one of the speakers discussed the difference between what we say we'll do and what we actually do. Calling this difference "The Gap," the sister giving the talk explained that it is something we experience in many ways in our daily lives.

This sister pointed out that if there is "a measurable need and a measurable outcome," we find it easier to rise to the task, no matter how difficult or even life-threatening it may be. With the natural disasters of the past few years in mind, think about how many people have sacrificed time, money and their own needs to attend to the needs of total strangers. These men and women have been angels to those unto whom they ministered.

The flip side to this is when there is little or no measurable need or outcome. This is when we often fail to perform – even if the task is easy. When we are rushed, overworked and tired, do we take time to sit down with the neighbour who just needs friendship? Do we listen to the child who wants to tell us yet another "knock-knock" joke? One of my friends has a sign in her house that says "Please forgive the mess and noise; my children are making happy memories."

Our Father in Heaven knows each of us personally and it is He who calls us to carry out this, His work. And as the scripture says; "when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God" (see Mosiah 2:17). When we finally realise these truths and act on them, this is when we fill The Gap.

My Big Fat Greek Lie

When Mum came to visit last month, she brought 7kg (US translation: ~15lbs) of chocolate with her; or would have brought if it weren't for her suitcase being overweight. The chocolate was unceremoniously jettisoned, destined to follow her by mail. I suspect the arrival of said chocolate may have had something to do with the huge zit I noticed making it’s debut on centre stage last night.

My first thought as I stared at my reflection was "put some Windex!" After all, the father on My Big Fat Greek Wedding might be on to something. Hands up everyone who's removed a stain from their carpet with Windex? It works, people!! Although I recommend the clear stuff, not the blue.

I think that may be the extent of it's usefulness though. Carpets and windows. As for the unsightly pimple the next morning - that Gus doesn't know anything.

Sugar and Spice

My neighbours have two of the most adorable kiddies. Three-year-old Kate is growing up to be a very pretty, bi-lingual, mischievous tom-boy who has a kind heart and no qualms about sharing with others.

Her younger brother took an immediate fancy to my cat, although I’m not sure the feeling is mutual. True to the differing natures of girls and boys, once shown how to be gentle with Pepper, Kate immediately followed my example. Joseph, however, fixated on the body part that was presented in his face, and gave a sharp tug on Pepper’s tail.

Joseph has subsequently added a new word to his vocabulary; in fact apart from agua (while pointing at Pepper’s water bowl) it’s the only word I’ve heard him say: “meow-meow.” Although to be honest, it comes out more like bow-wow so he may be a little confused. It’s quite a common (and endearing) occurrence to hear the waddle-stomp of a 18-month-old who, with little nose and hands pressed against my patio door, hopes for a glimpse of the kitty, “bow-wow”-ing all the while.

Trees and Trials

I don't buy the whole "the sky's blue because it reflects the sea" and vice-versa thing. I think God made the sky blue to help us fall asleep while while lying in the sun on a clear autumn day. After all, blue does have a soporific effect.

I was reading a book by Henry B. Eyring the other day while sitting by some trees and dozing under a brilliant blue sky. He talked about being stretched by Church callings and it reminded me of something I learned about trees earlier this year. Apparently trees need wind to become strong. If they're protected from the buffeting winds, their trunks and roots don't develop properly and they remain weak.

If we don't learn to trust God and face our problems, we run the risk of becoming like trees without wind. Aren't trials one of the reasons we are experiencing mortality? To "... prove [us] herewith, to see if [we] will do all things whatsoever the Lord [our] God shall command ..."? (see Abraham 3:25) If our faith isn't put to the test by callings or trials that challenge us, how are we to become strong?

Albert Camus captured this perfectly when he wrote: "In the depth of winter I finally learned that there was in me an invincible summer."