Loved

Last Sunday I had the opportunity to go to church with my dad. My parents had obligations with the stake and with the temple and my dad needed to attend an earlier sacrament meeting than usual while my mom needed to attend a later sacrament meeting than usual. So Ben and I got ready and off we went with my dad to a neighboring ward’s meeting.

We got there just a couple of minutes before it started and I got Ben situated and happy. Then I looked up on the stand. There sat President Uchtdorf, Elder Hales and Elder Coleman. What a wonderful blessing and what an incredible Spirit to witness.

As I sat through the meeting, I obviously found myself watching these good brethren a lot. One experience was such a privilege to see. As the sacrament began, the deacons lined up to begin passing the bread to the congregation. The deacon that happened to be assigned to serve those sitting on the stand looked like he probably turned twelve the day before. Such a darling boy. He nervously walked onto the stand and stood in front of President Uchtdorf, holding out the tray with the bread. The boy was obviously timid and kept his head down. As I watched, I saw President Uchtdorf try and get this sweet boy’s attention. He tried several times without any luck. Then, just as the boy was going to turn away to serve the bread elsewhere, he seemed to gain a little courage and looked quickly at President Uchtdorf. President Uchtdorf seemed to sense that he would eventually look at him and had kept his eyes on this young deacon the entire time. Before the boy could look away, I saw President Uchtdorf give him a reassuring and happy wink.

I was surprised at how this exchange affected me. I was in awe that a member of the First Presidency, a counselor to our beloved Prophet, would go to such lengths to make sure that a young and very apprehensive boy would know that he cared. Would know that he thought he was doing a good job. Would want so much to instill even a small bit of confidence and assurance. And would make him remember the incredible kindness of an Apostle of the Lord.

I hoped so much that this deacon’s mom was watching. If she was there, I am pretty sure she would be. I know what it would mean to me to see such a sweet experience with my own son. I know what it meant to me even though I did not know this young man. And I want to be the kind of person that makes others feel the way President Uchtdorf makes them feel. Loved.