Today's Tender Mercies

In his talk titled “The Tender Mercies of the Lord,” Elder Bednar says: “the Lord’s tender mercies are the very personal and individualized blessings, strength, protection, assurances, guidance, loving-kindnesses, consolation, support, and spiritual gifts which we receive from and because of and through the Lord Jesus Christ.”

1 Nephi 1:20 "...I, Nephi, will show unto you that the tender mercies of the Lord are over all those whom he hath chosen, because of their faith, to make them mighty even unto the power of deliverance."

Spencer and I had an incredible day today! After church, we came home and ate dinner together (just the two of us, because both our families are out of town). After dinner, we left to visit my favorite Bishop, whom I haven't seen in two years!

As we were about to turn onto State Street, we noticed there were a bunch of lights flashing on our dashboard. I had the great idea to turn the car off, then back on to see if the lights went away (hey, it's worked before!!). Of course, the car wouldn't turn back on. Spencer got out of the car to tell the people behind us to drive around because our car was dead. The car behind us just happened to be filled with men, so they hopped out and helped Spence push the car to the side of the road!

Before we even had a chance to get out of the car, we noticed someone pulling up behind us. It was a couple from our ward! They saw we were having car trouble and stopped to help. We asked them to take us to Grandma and Grandpa Elison's since it was close, and we'd figure something out from there. 

When we got to G&Gs, the house was empty and we tried to decide what to do. We didn't want to go buy and install a new battery on Sunday, and we obviously didn't want to leave the car on the side of state street. After talking to my dad, we decided to have a tow truck come and take the car to our friends at Midas. 

Meanwhile, I texted Bishop Jensen to tell him we wouldn't be able to make it to visit tonight. He was asking what we were going to do about the car, and when I said we would get it towed he said, "I'll come tow it!" I didn't know it was that easy to tow a car, but I know he has a giant truck so he convinced me. 

While we waited for Bishop Jensen, it started pouring rain and the power went out. Of course!

Bishop and Sister Jensen came to G&Gs to pick us up. Of course Bishop got out of the car with a big neck brace on! I was thinking, no way am I going to let you tow the car in that state. Luckily, we didn't have to tow the car! It miraculously started and made it to Midas. After we dropped it off, Bishop and Sister Jensen took us home so we could pick up the car we were borrowing from my parents. It was great that we had another car to use! 

Even though we didn't get a traditional visit with the Jensens, it was so fun to talk with them while we were driving around. We have been blessed by their service, not only tonight but through the years. 

To end the night, we drove back to my grandparents house. They were home and we were able to have a good visit. 

It felt like such a crazy night! It was full of tender mercies and we are so grateful for everyone who was placed in our path to help us out. What a night!

Eli got to hang out with his namesakes!