How many times in life have I suddenly realized that a moment of opportunity had just passed and was forever gone. These moments come at unexpected times, and they are gone just as quickly as they come. I thought of this on the drive over to Lower Brule this morning. With a temperature dropped to a chilly 7 degrees, we observed some beautiful landscape while the moment was there before the warming sun would raise the temperature so the beauty would be no longer there. We passed snow-covered ponds along the highway that sparkled as if covered with diamonds, and the frost was fuzzy on the weeds and trees along the road. I couldn't resist stopping to get a few pictures. 
A phenomenon presented itself as we crested the hills and neared Lower Brule: a dark bank of clouds spawned by the river snaked across the countryside following the course of the river. As it receded in the distance, it became a lighter blue. This also was only for a short time before the sun dissipated it. 
Like the frost or the clouds, our lives are so short. Times that have seemed so unbearable have passed and the light has shone again. Joys should be cherished, as they can also pass. Those of us who are parents of grown children realize how momentary the time seems that we spent with the little ones. We now have grandchildren, and we know that we must cherish every moment that we have with them.
This idea also follows in our work at the mission. We have the children for a little time, and then they are gone. We teach them the Bible Stories and truths as clearly as we can, knowing that we will not have them long, at best. Ray speaks to us, realizing that we will not always have these men to teach. This is the essence of missions-speaking wisely and using every opportunity to teach.
May you have a blessed week!
I have been thinking this week that the things that make me the happiest don't cost any money. This is not to say that some things that cost money bring me a little happiness-a good meal, a good cup of coffee, a new outfit, a little redoing in the house, etc. However, I have been treated to many happy things this week: a call from each of my children, a compliment from my husband, a smile and an invitation to spend a few minutes with a friend, the news of a new baby to a friend, a beautiful sunset or just a beautiful scene, hearing special music, and on and on the list goes. You could add many more things to this list, I'm sure. I was treated today to the love of a child while in Lower Brule. These two young ladies come with their grandpa on Sunday mornings, and they came in late. I heard her excitedly calling, "Grandma!" after they came in and were seated and she spied me up at the piano. As soon as I came back to my seat and sat down, the two girls hurried up to sit on each side of me and hugged me and cuddled up to me for the longest time. Now, there's some happiness!! :)
