I just got back from a family “Ladies Weekend”. We had a blast staying up late and playing the 1965 version of the game, Group Therapy. My how things have changed, and I am SO glad we weren’t playing in mixed company. We skipped some of the less appropriate tasks by group consensus, but I haven’t laughed so hard in ages. There is nothing quite like seeing a pregnant woman told to “get into the fetal position and make the appropriate sounds”! It would have been funny no matter who drew the card, but for the one who is seven months pregnant to get it? There are no words.
We stayed at an Airbnb in Park City, and met a spry, service-minded woman, named Mim, who is one of the most loving women I have ever met – she reminds me of Tabitha in the Bible’s Book of Acts, chapter 9:
36 Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did.
She had the kitchen completely stocked as well as an abundance of blankets and clean towels. The place was immaculately clean, yet full of quirky, cheerful personality, and encouraging quotes. (I think we might be kindred spirits that way.) Because of the well-prepared accommodations, no late-night Walmart run was necessary this year. We laughed and talked, and talked, and talked. It’s so much fun to reinforce family connections with cousins and aunts and grandmas.
One drawback for me at this place was the intense abundance of room fresheners. I’m sensitive to some fragrances, and I think she had all of them there. We did our best to hunt them down and kill them (just kidding – we just unplugged them ALL), and that helped a lot, but by then most of the damage for me was done. I talked with Mim this morning and just explained that we’d unplugged all the air fresheners and why, and she was so responsive and kind. She even asked how she could help others in the future who might have this problem. I suggested that she just mention on the website, that people sensitive to fragrances should let her know in advance so that she could remove them from the guest spaces. She was enthusiastic about doing this and gave me a huge hug in thanks for my letting her know. Some folks suffer much more from fragrances than I do, and this accommodation won’t help them, but at least the mention of air fresheners should alert them to the situation. We will likely go back there next year, after reminding her in advance that we need all the fragrant stuff taken out.
(Read and Follow the Directions)
It’s been a physically challenging day, but such a good day also. Anyway, my brain is tired and I have little to comment about my scripture reading. I do love how Alma expresses his love and concern for the welfare of the people who have left the church.
O Lord, wilt thou grant unto us that we may have success in bringing them again unto thee in Christ. 35 Behold, O Lord, their souls are precious, and many of them are our brethren; therefore, give unto us, O Lord, power and wisdom that we may bring these, our brethren, again unto thee.
Weathering The Journey 