Bountiful Regional Center...

Today I went to the Bountiful Regional Center to un-decorate after last night's devotional (Thanks, Donna for your help!).  For just a few moments I was in the auditorium by myself vacuuming the stage of fake pine needles.  It was literally like three minutes or so, but in that short time my mind was able to go over the last three years of Christmas devotionals. 

The first year, I was so thrilled to be able to be a part of it!  I was anxious to help, to decorate, to sing, to do whatever I could to help someone out.  It was exciting and new!  I remembered volunteering to decorate the stage, and then being so scared I couldn't really pull it off.  Many people donated things for me to use, and I had a great schedule back then, so I was able to hand make all of these ornaments.  I spent hours, and it all ended up being wonderful!  Things were fun and exciting, and I loved it!

The second year I took on a different role in the Christmas devotional.  I still got to decorate, and added a few things to the decorations, and it looked lovely.  That year I was part of the leadership, and there was a lot of tension in the build up, and it was way more tiring!  I enjoyed the actual devotional, but the tension outweighed the beauty of the night. 

This year, I totally was not looking forward to it!  My newer role had me heading this event, there were three of us that had worked on it in the past, and one got married in November, so that left the two of us.  Anyways, there has been some amazing tension, but the evening went wonderfully!

Okay, so here's where I'm going with this.  In these three years, I've let the stress associated with this event and the work up to it, make me not be too thrilled to be putting this production on at this building. I'm sure I would've felt the same about any other building, too.  As I was vacuuming the stage, with just the hum of the vacuum, I was able to feel the Spirit so strongly!  I knew that I was cleaning the stage of a dedicated house of the Lord.  I was cleaning it for Him.  There was this peace that I felt so strongly!  I was able to ponder all of the amazing experiences I've had there, and the amazingly wonderful people that I've been able to get to know through those events. I was able to feel His love for me.  It was a humbling three minutes with many millions of thoughts about how grateful  I am for the opportunities I've been given and for the amazing friends I've been able to work with.  Thanks everyone for your help on these devotionals!