She's Back!

The Cedar High School band returned to Cedar City this evening sometime around 8:45.  I got the message from Natalie that she was home and needing to be picked up.  I went over and got her. She gave me a big hug when she walked up to the car and told me that she never wanted to do that again.  What?  She loved the trip, sounds like she had a great time, so why would she not want to do that again?  From the sound of it there was a little bit of drama involved.  I tend to think that no matter what happens in our lives, no matter what we go and do, somehow, someway there will be a little bit of drama involved.  We can either let that rule the day or we can get beyond it and just enjoy life and the journey that we are a part of. 

This morning as we were getting ready for church Andy was telling me how so many bad things happen to him in his life.  I wanted to understand what he meant by that so I probed.  He doesn't like it when I probe and ask him questions.  I did it anyway.  I wanted to know what was so bad in his life.  We talked about a few things.  His parents are divorced.  I said yes we are and agreed that this must be a hard thing.  He talked about how that made him different.  I said yes it does but then talked about how both his mom and his dad love him very much.  Our conversation continued and then I shared with him a quote from his great grandfather Alfred Walter Fontano.  Well, it was a handwritten note of his that I found and so I attribute this to him though it could have been somebody else who said it.  Anyhow he said 'Don't look at the flaws as you go through life and even if you find em, tis wise and kind to be somewhat blind and look at the virtues behnind em.'  And so we talked about life and some of the challenges we face and that he faces.  We talked about how everyone has challenges and obstacles that they need to overcome.  We talked about seeing the good in all things, the virtues.  We can live our lives looking at the flaws, looking for the flaws and we will certainly find those things.  We will also find ourselves in a miserable state because that is was we focus on.  On the contrary we can focus on the blessings and on the good that we encounter every day.  In doing this we will see many blessings in our lives and will receive strength. 

So it is with a band trip to Disneyland.  I am sure it was stressful at times.  I am sure there were moments when one probably just wanted to rip their hair out.  At the same time there were some wonderful moments to be sure.  There were likely new friendships made and lots of laughs shared. 

Well, whatever the case may be we are happy to have the Natty home.  I know a couple of brothers missed their sister.  Glad she is home safe.