Among Friends

Since Tessa has been born, I can count on one hand the number of times I have attended church in my own ward. Between sick kids, being out of town, Stake & General Conferences, etc. etc. etc. we just haven't been there.

Seuao found out on Saturday that he was going to have to go in to work Sunday morning, so I would be solo at church. Now, the thought of dealing with Lily alone at church is enough to reconsider the whole thing, but adding Tessa to the mix really had me scared!

I stocked the diaper bag with fruit snacks, lollipops, sippy cups, bottles, teddy grahams, goldfish crackers, toys and books, hoping that we would have enough to see us through the 3 hours ahead. Truthfully, I was dreading it. But, I knew it was where we should be...

So, after only a couple of tears and struggling with some VERY ANNOYING shoes that don't fit right, we made it to church only 7 minutes late! (For 9:00 a.m. church, that is quite an achievement!) We went into the nursery. Lily hesitated when we walked in, but quickly started playing with the other kids. The last few times I have taken her into nursery in Logan she has been so clingy and fussy and didn't want to have anything to do with it. I was so surprised how adjusted she seemed to be yesterday! She played with the kids, sang the songs and even helped clean up! I had to slip out to change Tessa, and on my way back in, the nursery leader told me she was doing great, and that I really didn't need to stay unless I wanted to, but Lily was just fine!

Yahoo!!!

I took Tessa and we went to Sunday School. The teacher had the class involved quite a bit, and I can't remember what the context was, but he said something along the lines of "I look forward each and every week to come here and spend time among friends. Not only are we neighbors and ward members, we are friends."

Among friends.

I looked around the room and felt so much respect, love and gratitude for the people I was surrounded by. During Sacrament Meeting I found myself situated with our amazing home teacher's family in front of us, my next door neighbors sharing our bench, and my visiting teacher behind me. I was quite literally surrounded by people who care about me and my family.

The thought again came to me, "among friends."

I thought of Lily, who I know felt the same way that morning entering nursery. Her fears at peace and her spirit warmed. She, too was among friends.

We were where we needed to be that morning. We were both, Lily and I, reminded of those who love us, and whom we love. We felt the spirit of support and caring from so many. We were among friends.