Friday, May 6, 2011

Our lives passed away . . .

The blowing out of Sherman's 6 candles.

I believe the Book of Mormon is a true record of the people that lived on the American continent centuries before the arrival of Christopher Columbus. One of the men that wrote in the book was named Jacob and he states very beautifully, "And it came to pass that I, Jacob, began to be old; and the record of this people being kept on the other plates of Nephi, wherefore I conclude this record, declaring that I have written according to the best of my knowledge, by saying that the time passed away with us, and also our lives passed away like as it were unto us a dream, we being a lonesome and a solemn people, wanderers, cast out from Jerusalem, born in tribulation, in a wilderness, and hated of our brethren, which caused wars and contentions; wherefore, we did mourn out our days."
Being married to a man that is probably more passionate about history than he is about me, I have gained an appreciation for primary sources. This gorgeous writing above has always been on my list of 'poetic' verses from the scriptures. Only now has it started flashing in my memory as we prepare to move from Qatar and start afresh again. Especially the part where he mentions that his life and the lives of his people have passed like a dream. Even though six days still remain before we get on the plane, I am already starting to close my little book of Qatar 2009-11 and go to look for a place to store it on the shelves of memory. I know that whenever I pull out that book to look back, it will be "like unto me as a dream". Just like my childhood is, or my episode in Spain as a teenager, or the mission I served for 18 months in Toronto. All dreams. All shelved away.

"Time passed away," also has made me think about how time keeps moving. Last night Back to the Future was on. Michael J. Fox is a great runner, by the way, and I love the 'life preserver' vest he wears. Anyway, the playing with time that Hollywood does, and also many authors have done, really is pleasant and fascinating because time is something that we all value. Who wouldn't want just a little more time? A little more time in that moment? A little more time with that person? To see what it was like to live in that time? Etc. So, my time and your time is passing away as I write and you read this post. It will never come back and I ask myself, "What should I be doing with my time?" Jacob still speaks today for many Mormons through this record he left. Do you have a record? What would you like to leave behind after you pass on out of this world?

I keep no record. I keep a few papers here and there of my kids' drawings and writings and a few tangible memories. A written record? I guess this blog will have to qualify until I settle down in a house to call my own. And maybe my kids won't care about my record. But maybe others will. I love hearing about how my mother could buy doughnuts for a nickel when she was a kid, how she ran barefoot all day through the orchards, and how her father taught her how to plant sweet corn.

All this while, as I ponder the mysteries of time and the universe, I still enjoy these moments and try to really enjoy my children as they are. Sherman turned 6 years old today. He is a fine, generous, young man who certainly does his name justice.








4 comments:

Taranani said...

My goodness... For a week I have tried to leave comments on you posts and get kicked off because I'm stupid enough to try on my phone, or put in my wrong password. And I've thought about calling you one last time before you leave the far side of the world. Tonight I was going to finally do that, when I realized- I'm too late. You are already on your way home... or maybe you are in the US already! Time flies. When you are a Mom, I feel like if I close my eyes for a minute, a week has gone by. Anyway... I'll have to call your Mama tomorrow and find out when you will be in CA so I can call and bug you. You need something to keep you awake so you can get over jet lag. Might as well be me as crying babies, or fighting siblings, right? I'm sure that never happens though. hee hee. It never happens at our house either. We are so lucky. Anyway. Thank you for being tons more diligent at blogging than I was this year. At least I was able to keep up with your family, even if I only allowed you brief glimpses into our so exciting life.
Take care, and talk to you soon!

Taranani said...

OK I got ahead of myself... you will be leaving tomorrow, if I am reading your blog right. it sounds like you are in for a little fun along the way home. I hope you have a nice trip!

Sonja said...

Christine,
Thank you for recalling that beautiful piece of scripture and for sharing your lovely thoughts on the passing away of time. Man, has it been a year since I saw you last? Is your hair really that long? Is Sherman really that big? I can't wait to have these questions answered when I see you again.
Blessings to you on your journey and new life!

Taranani said...

I am going through bunsy withdrawals... I need you to blog and post some musings and beautiful photographs!