Seasons

One of my favorite things about living in Northern Utah is getting to experience four distinct seasons. Winter, Spring, Summer, and my favorite season of all…Fall. I have many fond memories of Fall seasons throughout my life; including meeting my husband in the Fall (at a Halloween party, actually), and we got engaged in the Fall two years later.

We have been enjoying a particularly beautiful Fall this year in my ‘neck of the woods’. The leaves have changed to vibrant shades of orange, red and yellow. The days have been mostly sunny, and the evenings crisp.

Today I had the privilege of singing at the funeral of Blaine Jay Smith, the husband of one of my dear fellow choir friends.  At the age of 56, Blaine was living a vibrant and full life as a husband, father and grandpa – and then suddenly he was diagnosed with lung cancer. His family, neighbors and friends rallied around him during his brief remaining time, helping him celebrate an early Christmas . His funeral was beautiful and sweet – filled with fond farewells, peaceful music and a loving spirit.

Each of his four children spoke. They gave tender tributes which touched the hearts of everyone in attendance;

• “He was not perfect, but he was a perfect example of the power of the Atonement”

• “He was Superman to me.”

• It’s how he made us feel that we will miss the most.”

• “People will not only miss the words that came from his mouth, but the love that came from his heart.”

• “He was a true disciple of our Savior, Jesus Christ.”

Don’t we all hope that when it is our time to pass on, these same things could be said of us?

Death is but another season of our mortal existence.

A modern Apostle has explained;

“The aging process is also a gift from God, as is death. The eventual death of your mortal body is essential to God’s great plan of happiness. Why? Because death will allow your spirit to return home to Him. From an eternal perspective, death is only premature for those who are not prepared to meet God. – Russell M. Nelson, Decisions for Eternity (emphasis added)

Although we do not know when a loved one, or ourselves, will be called Home – we know deep down it is all part of the circle of life. During times of loss we are reminded that mortality is more fleeting and fragile than we ever desire. However, when we are born, our Spirit each receives an alotment of time to spend in our bodies. I am personally grateful for the gift of life! Oh, what an amazing journey it is! I am so grateful for the people who have nurtured, raised, taught, loved and helped me along the way. I am grateful for the opportunity to experience and embrace each season that God grants me on earth, until we meet again. – MoSop