Sunrise

Last night I started out in bed alone. (Daddy & D were camping with the Scouts- luckily it's very warm here in the west for Feb.)
But, at some point in the night, all 4 other children took turns waking me up. At maybe 5:30, I surrendered my bed to the two who were still there and decided to just go nurse the baby in one of their empty bedrooms. I hoped once I got her fed, I could go back to sleep.

But... our younger son followed me.
He was WIDE awake.
We chatted a while as I sat and held the baby.
He peered with wonder out the window, seeing an orange tint in the sky.
He wanted to watch the sunrise.
Realizing we didn't have the best view, we put on shoes & jackets and the three of us headed outside.
We walked to the trail the runs behind the next street over. We starred at the almost full moon. We watched the mountains to the west turn pink, then white. We smiled at the bundled baby. We guessed where exactly the sun would pop up. It was so fun watching his excitement as we spotted the first full rays of sunshine.
I marveled at the simple beauty of God's world and my son's sweet spirit.
And to think... I wanted to sleep.
I'm so glad I didn't miss that.

Thankful

I'd like to share an email from my brother that made my Thanksgiving more meaningful. He's a Dr. in the AF and currently serves in Iraq. I've typically focused my thoughts and prayers on his family (he has 3 children & missed the birth of his 4th during deployment), but I honestly haven't focused much on the work he is doing and what a hero he is to me. I'm thankful this year for a brother who sacrifices to serve others and save lives. I love him & am SO PROUD of him. I hope he doesn't mind me posting this- I was just very touched by it & thought it may help others be more grateful as well...

First he said he was thankful this year for the Iraqi Parliament passing the US-Iraq security agreement, for MRAPs (Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles that greatly reduce casualties for our forces). Then he said, "It is very sobering in the EMEDs when we are unsuccessful in our efforts to resuscitate a soldier and we have to 'call it.' That is the most humbling Doctor's signature. On the other side, it is also very rewarding to hear from the soldier who is doing well in Landstuhl Germany and he expresses his appreciation to us."

"I believe I have finally identified why it is easier to be spiritual over here. It is true that we are closer to the Holy Land, Abraham built Alters not too far from here, and Daniel is buried less than two miles from where I currently am, but I don't think this is the main reason. The aforementioned humbling experience is part of it, but we endure a general fasting of worldly endeavors and of essential needs per Maslow's hierarchy. You don't recognize how great or important some items are in your life until you go without them, very much like a fast. Simply hugging your spouse or kids, or picking up your daughter or son have greater meaning now... The showers are very rusty and sand flies line the walls. Many of the simple freedoms we enjoy like driving down the street and not worrying about being shot or driving over a bomb are lacking... This general fasting foments you to confide in the Lord with more focus and resolve. Listening to the radio has been replaced by playing the piano in the chapel during sacrament, and it is great to go there on my day off and flip through the hymn book playing a variety of songs. Adam Nielson, my fellow BYU-USUHS grad and ER doc, father of 5, and 1-6 Cavalary doc stated that he grew more here spiritually during his 15 month tour than during his mission. It was great to hear him speak of all of the lessons he learned this past Sunday and play/sing 'God Be with You til We Meet Again'. This thanksgiving, I am grateful to experience a general fast and for spiritual growth. I am grateful for my family and recognize more clearly how important they are in my life. I am grateful for our freedoms and can't wait to return to enjoy them. I am grateful for all those American heroes that have preserved these freedoms and have done it by laying down their lives for us in that defense. May we all remember the great goodness of the Lord, and His sacrifice, the One that Made the Greatest Sacrifice and draw closer to Him this Thanksgiving."