March came in like a whimpering lion here on our hill, and that about describes my emotions lately as well. Maybe it is this brown time of year, when the snow has melted but nothing is really growing yet, that makes me feel blah. It is easy to notice the flaws and foibles of life, but I was reminded this morning of the virtue of keeping an eternal perspective on an everyday basis when I read the March Ensign article by Elder Renlund, “Maintaining an Eternal Perspective.” I certainly don’t want to be a Mr. Brown!
And in truth, we have so much for which to be grateful. In February, Bruce and I got a nice break when he had business meetings in Florida. However, due to the ice storms in Atlanta, we had a dickens of a time getting there. Bruce ended up flying through Minneapolis and then renting a car to drive the 2 ½ hours from Orlando to Sarasota, and I flew directly to Orlando a day later than planned. Since the Orlando temple was so close to the airport, we decided to see if we could go to a session. Despite my being in slacks and Bruce sporting a pink shirt under his navy blazer, we tiptoed in and were warmly welcomed. It was inspiring and uplifting to be there after the tenseness of the previous few days, and a sweet experience for Valentine’s Day.
The next day we visited the Ringling Circus Museum, which turned out to be a complex of museums built by one of the brothers and his Ohio-farm-bred wife. As we walked through the marble-floored, gold-encrusted mansion patterned after a Venetian palace, I thought how sad it was: everything was so ornate and cost so much money, but it didn't bring the couple true happiness. It seemed such a self-focused waste of resources. They never had children and didn't seem to be philanthropic during their lives, even though they were extremely wealthy in their heyday; they eventually died alone and nearly penniless. The gospel principles give us such good guidance in how to be truly happy, and invariably it comes down to making God and His children a higher priority than oneself.
When we returned home I had the opportunity to visit Aunt Marlene with Susan and Aunt Margaret with Carole, where we had wonderful visits with each one. Aunt Marlene is the last surviving sibling of Grandma Joy and Aunt Margaret is one of the two surviving siblings of Grandpa Barrus. I was reminded again of the remarkable heritage of faith we enjoy because of our wonderful parents, and their parents, and their parents, etc. May we do the same!
It has been interesting to realize that my time on the Primary board is coming to an end in not much more than a year. It is unusual to know when you’re going to be released from a calling, and it has elicited both an urgency and a melancholy in advance of the event. It has been a joy and a privilege that I will never forget. It has reaffirmed my testimony of the inspired leadership of the Church as well as increased my appreciation for all the work the local leaders and teachers do in teaching and loving the children in their units. You are all so amazingly wonderful!! Thank you, each and all, for your faithful service and dedication to the Lord’s work. It is true!
With love,
(Aunt) Jean & (Uncle) Bruce
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