Signs of the Times

I'm not sure why this natural disaster has kept me glued to the Internet more than previous disasters, which have recently taken place. Joplin Missouri is a place few have probably ever heard of. I am fortunate to be one of those few and maybe that is why I am drawn to this devastation. My first mission companion is from this small town and her parents still live there. I just cannot get over the wreckage. Something inside of me wishes I could be there to help. I am so thankful for prayers though, which helps me to feel like I'm contributing something to these poor people. I dare say I've had a prayer in my heart all this day while thinking of my dear friend and her family. I keep looking at the above picture and thinking, "all that stuff is somebody's 'stuff'". Gone. Destroyed. Life is so too short to worry about "stuff". I can only imagine the tears that flowed as my friend received news that her parents were okay. That is all that mattered. It really is all that matters. The thought also keeps popping in my head, "these are the signs of the times". The scriptures talk of these days that I am witnessing. Sometimes it is so obvious as to what is happening and why it is happening. My heart aches for these people. I have shed tears today for people I do not know. What more will we see before He comes again? There is a part of me that thinks this is only the beginning of many many more days like this.

I was sweeter today. I was kinder to my children today. I complimented my children today more than I usually do. I held them a lot today. I kissed them a lot today. I breathed them in more than usual. I had a thankful heart all day. No matter what lies ahead, I know to whom I put my trust and faith and I am full of gratitude to Him.