My cup runneth over

Braeden and I got home last night from our Washington, D.C. trip.

I wish I had better words to describe it but I will have to do my best.

Mostly I felt like I did this small thing.  A little sacrifice.  I sent my dear son away on a mission.  It wasn't easy.  I missed that kid and it felt physically painful to drop him off at the MTC.  But I did it, because it was what I was supposed to do.  I wanted us to be obedient.  I guess I hoped Braeden would benefit from the experience.

So I did that small thing and I never expected the enormous blessings and rewards that would result.  I didn't know I would end up with dear friends.  Over and over in my life, I realize the rewards for our obedience and efforts always outpace any offerings we make.  It makes me feel puny but also incredibly loved by a Heavenly Father who blesses His children.

Braeden baptized Stella last year on September 10.  Somewhere along the line he said, "Can I come back here when Stella goes to the temple?  And also I promised her I would."

So that was that.

And also Stella is part of our family now and I got to go too.

Saturday we went to the temple.  We had the baptism and confirmation performed for Renée, who is Stella's beloved daughter-in-law who passed away several years ago.  Braeden performed the temple work for Christopher, Stella's son who has also passed away.  I can't wait for Christopher and Braeden and Mark to meet.  Stella and I have a lot in common and one thing is that we adore our sons.

I was honored to be Stella's escort while she did her own temple ordinances.  In short order she had every temple worker we talked to in love with her.  Because that's how she is.

There is no one in the world like Stella.

People from the Salem ward who love Stella and threw their arms around Braeden in a happy reunion came from Virginia Beach to be with Stella.  I loved all of them.  Not just because they told me I looked young enough to be Braeden's sister, but that helped....

After our wonderful day at the temple we went back to the house Stella rented for us.  Some friends from Virginia Beach joined us for Chinese food takeout and we sat around the table and talked.  Stella related some of her experiences leading up to her baptism and then the Heinzelmans (I really don't know if I'm spelling that correctly) told us the story of their conversions.  It was astounding.  Hearing the experiences of these good and intelligent and truth seeking people, it was clear to me that Heavenly Father loves them.  He loves His children.  He wants us back.

Every insignificant and temporary worry that plagues me seemed to float right away.  I felt the perspective of what matters most.  I felt filled up with light.  I felt increased love for Adam and our children and really everyone.

This is what matters.

This is where it's at.