CHOICES

Today the cousins and Aunt Mary took off up to Swiss Days.  I know they had a good time what with Brittany leading the "slow" group and ? leading the "fast" group.  They don't even take time for the magnet boards anymore and if you have a baby in a stroller, LOOK OUT!!  They will give you that infamous "Jones Look" that even the in-laws seem to have perfected.  No one belongs at Swiss Days with a stroller.  Now dogs? That's another thing altogether.  

I had planned on going with the kids but I had signed up for a service project that, unfortunately, fell on the same day as Swiss Days.  Both were good choices but I knew where I belonged and it wasn't with my kids today.

Lee and I signed up to go the the Bishop's Storehouse in Sandy to spend half the day stocking shelves and help people check out their groceries.  We learned the system and worked through the morning till after lunch.  What an incredible experience it turned out to be.  These people were for the most part like you and me.  Most had fallen on hard times and needed the help to pull themselves out.  We saw very little abuse.  One mother had several teen age boys, probably a single parent.  Another man and wife came through and mentioned to Lee as he helped him out that he is just getting back on his feet after a broken back.  He was a fire fighter and the accident had put him to bed for the last 2 years.  He was going to have to train for a different job when he was able.  They were all shopping for a months worth of supplies so that was a little daunting.  Only the basics were on the shelves.  No pop, candy, etc.  

One family, parents and four children came in to stock shelves.  Members are asked to give back or work in the storehouse.  These folks encouraged their children to be a part of this giving back which, hopefully, is teaching them.  

This was a good choice that we made.  It helped us to appreciate not only what we have been given but what we are able to give back.  Part of our stewardships here on Earth is helping to take care of others.  We also need to learn how not to judge others--we don't know their stories and they don't have to tell us or make excuses to us as to why they are in this position at this time in their lives.  We just love them.