Joy

Today is “Christmas Character Day” at our Junior High.  

When I arrived, I saw the Grinch steering the riding vacuum down the hallway and then carefully taking a seat on the foyer bench to be in place and interact with the students as they trickled into the building.

The man in the costume has had his share of struggles.  

He watched the business where he was manager dwindle and then die during Covid.  So he is currently a custodian in our building.  

His family relationships aren’t all he wishes they could be.

And he has some personal struggles he has shared. 

And yet he took the time and effort to have fun amidst the drama.

To bring smiles against the backdrop of stress and negativity.

To rest from his other duties for just a few minutes to connect and celebrate.

You don’t have to wait for perfection to have drops of joy! 

Elder D Todd Christofferson taught, “Much that is good, much that is essential—even sometimes all that is necessary for now—can be achieved in less than ideal circumstances. So many of you are doing your very best. And when you who bear the heaviest burdens of mortality stand up in defense of God’s plan to exalt His children, we are all ready to march. With confidence we testify that the Atonement of Jesus Christ has anticipated and, in the end, will compensate all deprivation and loss for those who turn to Him. No one is predestined to receive less than all that the Father has for His children.”,

What a great reminder.  

I think my heart may have grown two sizes today!