Can you see, looking back, how all things have worked together for your good?

How the broken kernels of wheat were pounded and mixed and shaped into bread?

How the farewell of sea tide now reveals the treasures of sea glass and sea shell?

How the deepening darkness brings moon glow and lamplight, stillness and cricket song?

How the fragment of torn cloak can be repurposed into a pieced-together quilt of remembrance?

Truly, every time you cross the threshold of the hard, you are on your way to finding the holy.

“Wherefore, stand ye in holy places, and be not moved, until the day of the Lord come; for behold, it cometh quickly, saith the Lord. Amen.” (Doctrine & Covenants 87:8)

And then Patrick asked the children, “Where is your favorite holy place to be?” The answers were beautiful—the temple, home, church. But then Cooper spoke, and I wasn’t expecting his answer:

“My holy place is wherever you are, Mom, because you’re my holy place.”

I would never have guessed he’d say that, not in a million years. To think that someone sees me as their holy place. Me with all my imperfections and flaws? It really made me pause. Do we realize just how much influence our light and love can have? I hope I can be more intentional in creating a presence where others feel welcome, loved, and cherished. And I hope you know how brightly you shine just by being you.

Thanks for reading Paper & Stardust! If you know of someone who would this article, feel free to share this page! I am so grateful for you.