Under The Weather

Of course. As soon as I announced that I would be publishing my fantastical blog series all about our Spanish pilgrimage I got sidelined!

Bronchitis.

I’ve been really miserable. Coughing and lethargic. Forced myself through the entire work week since I’ve been away for the pilgrimage – but, unable to even boot up my computer at home, let alone create all the amazing things I want to create. 😥

The good news is that thanks to the modern miracle of medication (because I finally admitted I needed to see a doctor) – combined with forced rest – I’m on the mend!

I am now one step closer to bringing you all the goodness of my incredible journey.

In the meantime, right in the middle of all of this, a new little video arrived that warmed my heart  – with perfect timing. It is a darling animated illustration of my VERY FAVORITE General Conference talks of all time delivered by Elder Jeffrey R. Holland –  entitled Songs Sung and Unsung. 

Using the analogy of singing in a Choir, Elder Holland talked about the importance of enduring through trials so that each of our voices can be shared & our Choir can be complete!

“…it is by divine design that not all the voices in God’s choir are the same. It takes variety—sopranos and altos, baritones and basses—to make rich music. To borrow a line quoted in the cheery correspondence of two remarkable Latter-day Saint women,

“All God’s critters got a place in the choir.”

Due to my illness last week I was unable to rehearse with my Choir on Thursday night, and that meant I had to sit in the “penalty box” seats during Sunday morning’s broadcast (as an observer -and it’s not really called the “penalty box”).

I’ve been feeling pretty sorry for myself. 😥

 “We may have to stand silent for a time and simply listen to others, drawing strength from the splendor of the music around us.”

Come As You Are

God’s Choir is for everyone – and everyone is needed.

“There is room for those who speak different languages, celebrate diverse cultures, and live in a host of locations. There is room for the single, for the married, for large families, and for the childless. There is room for those who once had questions regarding their faith and room for those who still do. There is room for those with differing sexual attractions.

“…there is room in this choir for all who wish to be there.

“Come as you are,” a loving Father says to each of us, but He adds, “Don’t plan to stay as you are.” We smile and remember that God is determined to make of us more than we thought we could be.”

Just as Elder Holland’s message so beautifully illustrates, every voice is needed – and for those who cannot sing their song today, it’s okay. You will! We all will! Because, our Heavenly Father has promised that better and brighter days are up ahead for each of us.

And that’s a message we all need to cling a little tighter to these days.

Hugs, Holly