Discretion is the Better Part of Valor

We have both been slow-moving throughout the day. I sometimes look in the mirror and wonder if the aging process hasn't sped up. I am looking older, and feeling older. Of course, there are things we could both do to perhaps help but often we are in a "just take care of what has to be done today and you can start healthier habits next Monday."

Lack of sleep and too much dessert doesn't help us at all.

We had Family Home Evening at the church again this evening. We had twelve there - three young men who are not members, and our new Bishop. In the first five minutes after sitting down in a circle, one of the young men engaged the Bishop in a serious discussion about creation and evolution. Even the terms he used were over my head. He was ever so slightly confrontational.

It was fascinating, first because several of the Oxford LDS students who were there were quite equal to the task of answering his queries, and second the Bishop was even more capable. As an Oxford professor, he thrives on challenging and being challenged by students. He is thoughtful and takes his time to answer. He pretty much diffused the whole discussion by returning question for question without ever feeling like he had to prove anything. The young man seemed satisfied about the interchange and we moved on.

I gave the spiritual thought, and barreled ahead with Lauren's thoughts on "living after the manner of happiness." She sent it today, and I thought it was lovely. I asked everyone to give one word they thought might be applicable for living after the manner of happiness.

Interestingly enough, our three young men, good young men one and all said, "A degree," "knowledge," and "Achievement." I think they are all contributors to happiness. The Latter-day Saints said, "Family," "love," "peace." Several said the same things. I loved the thoughtful answers. 

Then I read Lauren's thoughts and it was interesting to see the expressions on the young men's faces as they listened. They didn't look derisive, but they looked thoughtful and perhaps a bit dubious. But they were very pleasant and joined the activity with gusto.

I chose discretion this evening - as the better part of valor - and ordered pizza. I made cookies (they always like cookies) and we had pizza and pop. Even the pescatarians were happy. Preparations for me were minimal and I was happy.

We'll be in London all day and will be getting up very early, and of course I have the Pathway class in the evening.

Good Night one and all.