Ward Christmas Party

On the day before Thanksgiving Winnie and I were asked to be in charge of the Ward Christmas Party.  I had never been in charge of planning a ward event before, so I was a little reluctant.  We had a committee of people who were also assigned to plan the party so I didn't feel totally lost.  During the planning and preparation of the party, I sometimes felt like it would be great when this party is done as it took over a majority of our thoughts over a 3-week period.   The night of the party arrived, and after spending over 12 hours at the chapel in setting up and helping out with the party, the party was over.  I thoroughly enjoyed serving and spending an evening with the members of our ward.  All of the stress and planning was well worth the time we spent at the ward Christmas party.  I was praying that Winnie and I might know more people in the ward and have opportunities for service, but I didn't realize that when the call came to plan the Christmas party, the Lord was answering our prayers by giving us a great opportunity for service, growth, and developing friendships.  We cannot see the end from the beginning like the Lord can--sometimes He answers prayers in ways that we do not recognize at first.