Grateful for a Day of Rest

Yesterday was a much-needed day of rest for me. Our ribbon cutting for Brick Canvas is fast approaching, and we’ve been working long and hard hours the last few days on all the finishing touches, and this next week looks to be equally as intense. So I definitely needed the Sabbath!

Yesterday morning, I attended the dedication of the Brigham City Utah Temple, a beautiful and sacred way to begin the day. Sterling was out of town, so I went alone, which made the experience even more retrospective and thoughtful. I had told each of the kids that I’d tend the grandchildren who couldn’t attend later dedication sessions (age seven and younger), so by noon I had seven grandchildren at my house. Of course, that meant that I needed to feed them lunch—and since two of the seven were the Bridegan babies, I was busy juggling hungry mouths for a bit. Thankfully, the older grandchildren were patient and helpful (especially Shelby, couldn’t have done it without her!), and we had a very pleasant afternoon.

After all the grandchildren went home, I headed up the canyon to enjoy the fall leaves. I can see the leaves on the mountains from our home, and of course, seeing them up close is much more spectacular. I make it almost every year, although some years I’m a bit later than others, and the colors aren’t quite as vibrant. I was determined this year to see them at their best.

And I definitely did! It was an amazing afternoon. I drove up the canyon, or should I say crawled? I’ve never seen so many people, cars, or cameras up there! Everybody seemed to have the same idea I did. Families were having family photos taken, professional photographers had their fancy equipment all set up on tripods. . . everywhere you looked, people were snapping photos. I felt a little silly clicking away on my iPhone, and my photos certainly don’t do the colors justice, but I had to share!

On the way home, I stopped by Shanna’s and Jared’s. Shanna had just made bread, and she gave me some. And I got to feed and love the babies. Icing on the cake!

I found myself tearing up several times throughout the day, grateful for the opportunity to slow down, rest, and reflect. I am overwhelmed with gratitude for the many blessings in my life, including loving family and friends, fulfilling and challenging work opportunities, and incredible surroundings. You can’t ask for much more than that!

Comments

[Julie Davidse]

I hope to have a few minutes this weekend to head up to the canyons in Utah and hopefully it won't be too late! I will be in town from Vegas, and as you are well aware, fall is much different here! Thanks for sharing the beautiful message (wish they had allowed the dedication here,) I LOVE Sundays!

[Sandra Johnson]

Shelli- you always amaze me. You are a famous (in my book) CEO of your own company and still seem humbled by God's amazing grace and His blessings. Bless you and your sweet family.

[Wendie Waldman]

We flew into Salt Lake a couple of weeks ago to attend my aunt's funeral and looking out the airplane window I was amazed at the beautiful colors on the mountains. Quite a glorious sight. Thanks for sharing your experience.

[Lisa Curcio]

The one thing I miss about living in Florida is the changing leaves. They are gorgeous. Thank you for the reminder of God's colorful palette! Also thankful that you got some much needed rest and precious time with your family.

[Jennifer Bridle]

I was just wondering, Shelli, if any of your family came up to Calgary for the Open House or Dedication of the new LDS Temple up here? I was fortunate to be able to participate in one of the tours of it before it was closed to the public and was amazed and inspired by its beauty. It was an honour to be able to tour it. If you weren't able to get up to see it, perhaps it would be a good excuse for you to come to Calgary again!!!