Heart Photography

Sunday, May 15, 2011                                                                                                                    
                             
Today was a wonderful day at our little branch. Elder Elkins ordained soldier H to the Melchizedek Priesthood, (an Elder). Soldier H was then able to have the first official part of his temple recommend interview and will complete it this week. He is scheduled to be sealed to his wife in the Columbia, S.C. Temple on May 28!

As the holders of the Melchizedek Priesthood stood to do the ordination, Sis. Beck, sitting beside me commented that it was too bad I couldn't take a picture of this event. I agreed, but then thought, "Yes, but I can take a mental picture and keep it in my heart". So I looked at the men who stood, with the soldier seated in the circle. Some of the men were in suits, some in civilian clothing, and some in soldier uniforms. All were worthy Priesthood holders. What a sweet picture, as the desires of this young man's heart were realized, and a blessing given.

My mental camera was still rolling as the sacrament was blessed and passed. Our sacrament table is a simple folding table covered with a white tablecloth. One tray for the bread and one for the water are covered by white cloth napkins. One soldier kneels and says the sacraent prayer. Another soldier stands and takes the single tray to the presiding official first, Brother Lord - who is the 3rd counselor in the Newport News 2nd ward - assigned to our "Serviceman's Group". He then passes the blessed bread, then the water to all members of the congregation. There were 10 soldiers in attendance today.

I smile inwardly as I watch the soldiers in their combat boots and camouflage uniforms bless, pass and care for the sacrament with the humility and reverence to match any new Deacon, Teacher, or Priest. I feel it a privilege to participate in this ordinance performed by people who are sacrificing in so many ways. It is also my privilege to provide the bread for the sacrament each week. As I bake new bread each Saturday for our Sunday meal, one slice is held out for the sacrament. As I marvel that one slice of bread is more than enough for our entire group, I'm reminded of the miracle of the loaves and fishes.

After the meeting, I enjoyed capturing "heart pictures" of the soldiers enjoying a meal together as they shared and visited. It is so great that they can meet with people of their own feelings and faith. They are examples and leaders among their peers.

I take my camera along most days as we carry out our duties in Virginia. The flowers and other scenes are breathtaking: geese, herons, egrets, and ducks in our pond; deer, possum, rabbits, and squirrels in the trees nearby, and new things blossom each week. But I realize that the photographs on paper can never match the pictures in my heart. The feelings are more real and more dear than what I can see on paper.

We love what we are doing here. It is a privilege to be part of the Lord's great work, in service. I understand the meaning of the words in the New Testament, "Mary took these things and pondered them in her heart". Heart pictures and feelings are more powerful than any image a camera could capture.