A WARD FAMILY.

While we were in Hawaii, we had the chance to take one of my husband's colleagues to church with us. In many ways, she shares the same ideals with us. In my opinion, she'd make an excellent Mormon. On our way to pick her up I mentioned to my husband that in my opinion,  joining a ward is reason enough to become a member of the Church. Not the right reason, but is a dang good reason in and of itself.

My opinion shot through the roof as we arrived back in Dallas after our long two months in Utah. As we pulled up to our home, that had been vacant for over two months I was almost brought to tears. Our lawn was perfectly mowed and yard had been cared for in preparation for our arrival. As we entered our front door I noticed that our pots had recently been planted with purple and white pansies.

Through the door we were met with the smell of a late lunch. Chicken and vegetables were roasting in the oven and a salad had been prepared in the fridge. Our friends from our ward had taken the time to think of our situation. They had considered what it might be like to travel home to an empty fridge on a Sunday afternoon. They had thought that after a long while away flowers might be a nice thing to come home to.

They were right.

I've always been grateful for a ward family. Especially as we have moved around a bit. But, never have I felt so appreciative for good people, thinking beyond their lives and into mine as I did this last Sunday. I'm grateful for the organization of the Church that provides a network of support. I am sure this will not be the last time that I will be helped and lifted by my ward family.

P.S. Want to be even more astounded? The pansies were planted by one of my husband's thirteen year-old deacons. The same boy who texted from the high school football game asking if he needed to pick some groceries up for us before we got home. I want to raise a son like this!