We are retired and I could have.......

July 20,2014
This week I realized we are retired! I know, it takes some people longer than others. This week I could have been shopping for patio furniture for our new house, but instead I got to attend a baptism. The furniture will weather and age but the new life this person accepted will continue through eternity.
This weekend I could be camping out with the 4 Utah children and their families but I drove to Buffalo Grove for a zone training meeting.

Parking was tight,as you can see. I love our missionaries and their fun sense of humor. They thought Elder Taggart would be inspecting cars. I became part of the training as the President called Elder Taggart and I out of the congregation to share experiences as a stake president and I was ask to share why women don't need to hold the Priesthood. Made my day as several Elders and Sisters came up after and thanked us for our inspiring remarks. Made my day when one Sister told us we were "spiritual giants". Made my day when another cute Sister said," I looked at you as you spoke and I loved your outfit. The skirt had buttons and pockets and that vest, where did you buy that vest? I said to myself, 'why am I not wearing that outfit!'" LOL that is the ultimate compliment and flattery for a 63 year old bag!
I could have been sewing and quilting this week but instead I was sewing up slits in skirts so they are modest and seams in suits that had split out on bikes, and bottoms of suits that are threadbare. I also baked cookies for some Elders who mailed me their baptism form but I called and said I hadn't received it. When it is "my bad" they get a late of cookies.
I could be traveling the country with a retired husband but instead I ordered more supplies for missionaries. As I unloaded 31 cases of supplies onto my shelves, I was grateful for a strong back. Thank heavens I ordered German Books of Mormon. Our Missionary from Germany is teaching a German family he found in Evanston. I watch it happen over and over. Our Colombian Elder found a family fresh out of Colombia.....our Polish Sisters find Polish families, our Italian Sister finds those who speak Italian. God really is in the details of our lives.
I could be sleeping in, having leisure days but instead I arise at 6:30 AM and I am going strong until 10:30 or 11 PM. We commented to each other how simple life is, how much we love serving together, and how much we love these young missionaries we are working with. One of them put on his baptism form this week Chicago Illinois Steak. I have had a couple of those but I don't think that was what he was talking about.
Find the missionaries in your area and see if there is anything you can do for them this week. They like to eat, they love to teach, and they are willing to share their testimony with anyone.
We love you and someday.....we will retire.
Sister Taggart