What a wonderful week it has been. I got to spend an entire week in God's country (Arizona
White Mountains) surrounded by incredible nature, camping in the woods, eating camp cooked
meals, sitting around a campfire, avoiding possible permanent scarring from children armed with
"red hot" marshmallow sticks, singing, laughing and reveling above all in the family I have and belong to.
First of all, Sheri is happiest when she is in the mountains. She loves the smell of Ponderosa Pines. She stops at every floral variation, she takes joy in every rainbow, she will climb mountains, wade through ice cold, bone chilling waters to find "her" meadow she is convinced is one of God's favorite places on Earth. And throughout all the adventures she gives credit to God for His wonders, his creations and for allowing us to enjoy it. She is closest to the heavens when she is in the wilderness. And for me, it's just fun to watch her enjoy it so much. Before I know it, her wonder and awe starts to wear off on me as I look around and try to take it all in.
There is nothing like a rousing game of Frisbee golf in the woods. Especially when it involves friendly, yet serious competition between the guys. I've noticed throughout all the years, not one single wife, mother or sister has ever played (the little gal in the photo just wanted to be with her Daddy). Far too much banter, trash talk and laughter when you're opponent hits tree after tree. It doesn't seem civilized somehow to the ladies, but completely normal to the guys.
One evening, I decided to stand back outside the fire ring that organically forms on a nightly basis. It begins with one of the men who decides to start a fire, when out of no where all the little boys show up and want to contribute. It then goes to the jockeying of our chairs, finding the comfortable spot away from the smoke. We then have the traditional and dangerous marshmallow ritual. Why we freely give to tiny children wooden dowels with metal sticks attached and allow them to negotiate them on their own in a fire is beyond me. Whats' even more amazing is the idea no one was injured again this year. It seems what's even more fun than the marshmallow smores, is poking that metal stick into the fire until it gets red hot...come to think about it I usually "stand back" throughout this process. Once everyone is settled and Uncle Dale pulls out the guitar, inhibitions seem to simply disappear. Songs are sung, solos are performed, stories are told, skits are done and there doesn't seem to be a care in the world.
On that evening as I observed, I was amazed at what I belong to and what I was witnessing. Then something incredibly spontaneous occurred that sobered me to the core. Amy, an incredibly capable adult when it comes to children asked a simple question; "What did you learn this year?" Seemingly a simple question. When one of the grandchildren shared a story of simple faith regarding the protecting power of the Holy Spirit. She had learned the Gift of the Holy Ghost is real, and it does means something significant to her. Then another child chimes in and relates a similar story, and then another and another. I watched as the parents wisely and proudly listened. The expressions on their faces were priceless. I thought as I'm sure they did, they could never have conjured, forced or stimulated that response from their child. But sitting around a campfire, feeling safe, all inhibitions having vanished, priceless stories were told and all were edified.
My thought; where else does this happen? I would be hard pressed to believe anywhere! When family, warmed by love, common objectives, unique perspectives, togetherness, acceptance and gospel principles come together amazing things happen. Lives are changed, love is strengthened, bonds are deepened and life is great! Family is everything! I'm so glad my life has included this seemingly indispensable element. I can't imagine trying to negotiate the challenges of life without it and I have my mother to thank, my magnificent wife, my children and the extended loved ones I deeply cherish.
