amazing grace

Yesterday we ditched church to go help our cousins in Kaysville. They had their fence blown down from last weeks' wind storms. They asked for our help and we gladly answered. The amazing thing was that when we arrived the entire neighborhood was in full swing on clean up duty. It was incredible to see people that didn't know one another just line up pick-ups and start cleaning the mess. There was so much debris. Pine trees 40 feet plus laying on the ground. Fences down on the ground with the posts just snapped like they were made from toothpicks. Roofs missing so many shingles. The level of organization and willingness of people was awe inspiring. Our cousins said that their bishop was called by their stake president and told to cancel church that Sunday and just get out do the work that so many needed help with. Whether they were members or not they were to help clean up and haul away the mess. And they did just that. I left their house feeling like I just witnessed the true spirit of Christmas. People were kind and caring. They laughed with one another, they picked up and hauled away together. I watched the news this morning. The broadcaster was talking about the amount of debris at the landfill. And that the Governor called out the national guard to aid in clean up. I think that the broadcaster missed the real story. The story should have focused on the amazing grace that so many had for each other. They really showed charity, the pure love of Christ. I hope that I could say that we all would do the same, especially with the season of giving upon us. This was a great experience for myself and my kids. I hope they remember how it felt to see so many people show love for their neighbor, whether they knew them or not. Amazing is all I can say. True amazing grace.