Akron Ohio Stake News

by Sister Kris Center, Stake Relief Society President

September. Already. Where did summer go? We have made it through months of COVID, quarantine, masks, and church at home. Life is quiet as we mostly remain home.

I would like to share with you three unrelated observations:

1. Gates – we have a number of gates on our farm, gates that open to pastures, valleys, and barn. When we open a gate and pass through, we are embarking on a path or “way” that broadens before us – a new adventure each time even though those paths have been walked before. In July and August, we participated in the baptisms of two of our grandchildren. They had the gate of eternal life opened to them and are now on the covenant path. Each additional ordinance they receive is another gate along the path to exaltation. Talk about an adventure with limitless possibilities!  And the keeper of that gate is Jesus Christ. “Come unto the Lord, the Holy One. Remember that his paths are righteous. Behold, the way for man is narrow, but it lieth in a straight course before him, and the keeper of the gate is the Holy One of Israel; and he employeth no servant there; and there is none other way save it be by the gate…” (2 Nephi 9:41).

2. Also, in July, we enjoyed a visit with some dear friends from our mission. I want to grow up and be like them. Faithfully they have served all their long lives. And they served with joy and gratitude for the opportunity. Their love for the Lord, the Gospel, their brothers and sisters, and each other is inspiring. They are “enduring to the end” with grace, testimony, and conversion even when life is difficult.

3. We enjoyed the company of our three-year-old grandson for several weeks this summer. What a character and his approach to life is worth emulating. Every day is a joy. Each morning he woke with enthusiasm for whatever the day held. Such optimism. Every morning was a brand new day, a fresh start. No grudges or ill feelings carried over from the previous day. Oh, to have such enthusiasm for life, for every single day.

When we are on the covenant path, regardless of our age, we should find joy in each day. The bounties of life surround us. We can see the hand of the Lord in our lives as we remember to be grateful in all things. We can wake each morning with joyful optimism when we repent and let the Spirit guide us through our day. We are blessed people. Let’s remember that.