Sunday, September 30, 2012

I Like to Look for Rainbows

After I was released from the High Council, Kathy and I were called to team-teach the Valiant 11 class in our ward's Primary.  This class includes all of the boys and girls who were 11 years old at the beginning of the year.  We have eleven students if all attend.  We teach our lesson during the second hour of church and then go with the class to Sharing Time for the third hour.  As our students turn twelve years old, they go to Priesthood Meeting or Young Womens during the third hour.  Our last student to turn twelve had his birthday in early August, so we don't go to Sharing Time anymore.  Instead we go to Relief Society or Priesthood meeting during the third hour.  That will change in January when we get a new batch of eleven-year-olds.

We have been signing When I am Baptized in Sharing Time.  I think all of the wards are learning this for their Sacrament Meeting Program.  I love this song and can't keep the tears back whenever I sing it.  I has such a simple message.

"I like to look for rainbows whenever there is rain."  Who doesn't love the majesty of a great big rainbow extending across the sky after a rainstorm?  A couple of years ago, I remember we had a double rainbow after one storm.  I took a picture of it with my phone.  Here it is.

"And ponder on the beauty of an earth made clean again."  We haven't had much rain this past year so whenever we do get some, it is noteworthy.  We had a storm the other night.  I went out on the back deck to see (and hear) it.  What struck me the most was the wonderful smell.  I love the smell of a wet earth when it rains.

"I want my life to be as clean as earth right after rain.  I want to be the best I can and live with God again."  I do want to be the best I can and to live with God again.

"I know when I am baptized my wrongs are washed away, And I can be forgiven and improve myself each day."  We got to attend Mia's baptism a couple of weeks ago.  I remember how much her face beamed as she came into the room dressed in white.  Her face beamed even more when she came up out of the water.  I am grateful for the atonement of Jesus Christ that allows our sins to be washed away.  I am also grateful that we can live with God again and that families are forever.

"I want my life to be as clean as earth right after rain.  I want to be the best I can and live with God again."