the Spirit of the Holidays.

As I traveled this week, I didn't feel much of the Christmas Spirit until about Sunday Morning.  We went to the Bontia Springs ward in Ft. Myers Florida. the couple who had put together the Christmas program told a lovely story that has prompted me to tears a few times this week. They spoke of a ward in medena California. These people speak mostly Spanish, and work in the locals vineyards everyday for long grueling hours. In this area is a specific vineyard. It is owned by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Every ward and branch in this surrounding area take turns and jobs every year to part take in the up keep of this vineyard. This humble Spanish branch, will often work on Christmas Day, to full-fill all of their assigned job, because of  personal schedules it is the only day most of them have to spend to do their part. It has been said that once this sweet ward does their part working in the Lords vineyard the move on a few rows beyond their assignment to help the other wards. Can you imagine working in the Lord's vineyard? On Christmas Day? I am humbled by these people and their willingness to serve the Lord.  As I thought about this during the week I found myself people watching in the Houston airport. I saw small acts of kindness and love in everyone around me. I was surprised to hear Merry Christmas spoken by the flight attendants. The smiles on strangers faces as the share their Christmas destinations and traditions. The kind words spoken to young mothers by those trying to cheer up crying children. We know the world can be a dangerous lonely place some days. But as I traveled across the country I felt a reassurance in the American people.There is still kindness and love its just harder to find and exemplify in ourselves. 

Think of Christ and be overwhelmed in the Gratefulness you feel for him. 

Serve the Lord the best way we know how by serving others.

Merry Christmas everyone, and enjoy the spirit of the holidays.