A Cleansing Power

I had a delicious salad today, but spilled a small spot of salad dressing on my new shirt.  Here's what happens when one reaches for the "Shout" fabric spot remover but instead grabs the "Clorox Clean-up."

I scolded myself a bit for not paying closer attention and lamenting my new shirt (maybe I can spray the rest of it?),  but now I'm thinking about the Atonement.  I'm still trying to figure out how this properly and reverently has to do with the Atonement, but it has me thinking, has me grateful, and has me more aware of the Cleansing and Refining Power.  Maybe it's because I attended BYU's lovely "Sacred Gifts" exhibit this morning just before I had my salad, and my mind and my heart are focused on the Savior, His extraordinary life, and His divine gift.

Hopefully one of these days I can focus on Him and my actions, all at the same time.

Miracles Happen!

I woke up this morning at five o'clock as excited as a seven-year-old on Christmas.  The anticipation was incredible.  I could not wait to try out my new knees.  I tore a meniscus in my left knee a few months ago, and it has been incredibly swollen since.  Yesterday I had it removed (the fluid, not the knee), and I had what felt like a boatload of cortisone pumped in.  I realize it may be a few more days until it takes effect completely, but I felt absolutely wonderful this morning.  I could not wait to get on that elliptical.  It was even a little difficult to focus on all 77 verses of the allegory of the tame and wild olive trees, as I kept getting distracted by the thought of working out without pain.  When I finally made it to the machine, I was not disappointed.  It was as if I could have stayed on that thing all day.  Oh, the miracle of modern medicine!  I wanted to shout from the mountaintops.

To you, Dr. Cooley, and to your assistant, thank you thank you!!  I came out of your office yesterday feeling positive, encouraged, and better than I have in years.  You were even kind when you explained what three marathons had done to my knees.  You were positive about my future.  Bless you and your bedside manner and medical know-how.

To those of you who continuously hurt as you try to get a little exercise in your day, I feel your pain.  But hang in there.  And Don't. Give. Up.

Super Lube is . . . Super!

A few days ago I took my car in to get a much needed oil change.   I went to Super Lube, on 8th North in Orem.  I think it was Ruth who took my order and showed me to a seat.  While I was waiting, a sweet looking older woman came in, carefully navigating herself around with a cane.  She and I sat there together, watching our cars getting worked on.  However, soon Ruth came back and nicely explained to this lady that her car didn't need an oil change yet.  Even though it had been enough months since her last change, she still had about a thousand miles to go until it was needed.  So the lady with the cane thanked her and made her way back to her car.  I sat there, first of all wishing my car could go another thousand miles, too.  Then I thought further.  Wouldn't Super Lube have been money ahead to just change it?  This sweet lady would not know the difference.  When I first came in, I was wondering why I just didn't use my coupon and go down the street and save a few bucks.  Now I am glad I went to Super Lube.  After all, it wasn't that much more.  And I don't mind; in fact I am happy to pay for good customer service.

To you, Ruth, and your co-workers, you helped me to feel warm inside, as I watched you treat this nice lady with the respect she deserves.  You know what it means to take care of your customers.  I was impressed.  I will come back.  And I want to bring all my friends with me.