WE

July 15, 2010 – Thursday

This morning I was working in the community garden for a bit before needing to head home and, with Dad, take Dallin to get his wisdom teeth removed. Marv Wilson was working on his boat, so I called over and asked if they were heading out to the lake today. He responded that they had been out yesterday and he was simply cleaning up. We chatted a minute, then he said, "Yeah, we broke the key off in the ignition and were stranded on Quail Lake for awhile..." We laughed about their predicament, how long it took to get help, and the need for a locksmith come look at the boat later today. And then I went home to get cleaned up before we went into town.

It was while I was doing my hair that thoughts started to infiltrate my mind. Marv's words played over and over in my head -- "We broke the key off in the ignition." -- and then I thought, "YOU are a terrible mother!" as different thoughts started flooding their way onto my brain's stage. Luckily, I recognized the source of the emotional attack, was able to shut it out, and then paid attention to the rest of the thoughts. This is what came through, loud and clear:

"We" broke off the key in the ignition. Not "I" nor "Nola" nor "Weston," but "We." Even though "one" person probably actually broke off the key, Marv's declaration of "we" made it a family affair. And it was. They were stranded together, they worked together, they made it through together. It became very clear to me how powerful that one word of "we" is. And what makes "we" is "the family." What fortitude that is!! The FAMILY is strength, it's unity, it's togetherness, it's power, and it's security! No wonder the adversary works SO hard to destroy it!!

Although I haven't been aware of the importance of saying "we did this" when something went wrong – more like DALLIN left the freezer door open and everything has melted in the freezer!! Or KRISTY backed into the light pole at Dixie High School, crunching the Suburban's back bumper, or AMELIA totaled the Dynasty, or DENZEL baptized the Subaru, etc. – I recognize the reality of the strength that comes from our family! It always has, for which I'm grateful!! I see it as you kids want to be together; as Dallin wants Kristy to hold his hand as he lays on the couch recovering from his surgery; as Amelia and Hans work to fly Jaimi to Utah for their wedding; as Brandon makes sure Dallin comes along to climb the Grand Tetons; as Denzel wants to "pass inspection" on the newest beaus being introduced to the family; and LOTS more!

I am SO glad that WE are a family. That we strengthen, support, encourage, test, try, grow, and even groan, sometimes, together. I feel the POWER of our WE and I am grateful!!

Love,
Mom