This picture greeted me as I came down the stairs this morning. April 27. Clara's 6th birthday. Each year we try to perform an act of service for her birthday. As of last Friday we couldn't think of something that would be meaningful or someone who really needed our help. On Saturday morning we learned that an older, single lady in our stake lost her home to a fire. I think that news is sufficient prodding to give us something to do this evening.

And now for a brief sermon. Yesterday we went through our usual routine with 11:00 church - wake the baby (15 months) from his nap and get him ready to go. He's never content with church in the middle of nap time, but we deal with it. After the sacrament is passed I take him out in the hall - he makes too much noise and can't be consoled in the chapel. 13 years ago when I was doing this with my oldest, I dreaded going to church and the inevitable walk through the hall for 2.5 hours every Sunday. I couldn't wait for the magical 18-month old milestone when I could hand him off to someone else for 2 hours of peace. Clara changed that and gave me new perspective. I love spending time with our son in the halls (and classrooms, and gym, and outside) at church. We don't get to see enough of each other as it is, so I'll take that time every Sunday to strengthen the bonds we feel with each other. Clara taught me that all time with our children is precious. My wife and I haven't taken a vacation without our children since Clara was diagnosed. We need all the time with them that we can get, while it is still available. There are some things you just can't get back. The most precious of those is time.