UNEXPECTED BLESSINGS AND THE RAVENS OF TORCY

One of the most difficult parts of being a senior missionary is the feeling of missing out on the growth and development of your grandchildren, even the addition of new grandchildren. The Lord has provided counsel and solace for those who place Him first in priority.

Shortly after we arrived in Paris we drove to where we had been told the church building was located in the community of Torcy. Arriving there we did not find a typical LDS chapel as we had been told not to expect one because a local ordinance had been passed dictating that churches could not be conspicuous in their appearance. We found instead what appeared to be an office building with shops on the ground floor. Driving to the rear of the building we found ourselves in a parking lot and stopped to take a few pictures. As Arnold paid more attention to the subject matter than what was happening, JoAnn exclaimed, “Look at that bird… watch what he’s doing.”

There was a large crow or raven pecking on what appeared to be a large black nut of some sort. JoAnn said, “Watch what he does with it.” To our amazement the large black bird picked up the nut in his beak and took off, flying to a high altitude and, while diving toward the ground, dropped the nut on the pavement of the parking lot. Landing next to it he pecked at it a few more times then repeated his aerial display. This continued three or four more times until he finally succeeded in cracking open the nut. Just then another raven,who had been a witness with us to the genius of his cohort, dove from his vantage point atop the roof of the church building, attempting to steal the prize revealed by the display of intelligence of the first. Seeing his diving friend from the corner of his eye, the one who expended the effort grabbed his prize and flew off to enjoy the fruit of his labors. We were astounded by the display of intelligence of not only the first but even the second bird who seemed content to let his friend do all the work. Later, when we reviewed our photographs we discovered that we had inadvertently captured both of the ravens of Torcy.

Later that night as Arnold was reading the New Testament he came upon an appropriate verse in Luke. We had also recently viewed via the Internet our daughters' Internet blog sights marveling at the rapid growth rate of our grandchildren…thus adding to depth of the meaning of these verses. See Luke 12:24-34

“Consider the ravens: for they neither sow nor reap; which neither have storehouse nor barn; and God feedeth them: how much more are ye better than the fowls?”

“And which of you with taking thought can add to his stature one cubit?
If ye then be not able to do that thing which is least, why take ye thought for the rest?”

Then more recently our daughter Susan posted this very meaningful and appropriate picture on her blog… calling attention to the next verses of that passage in Luke.
“Consider the lilies how they grow: they toil not, they spin not; and yet I say unto you, that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. If then God so clothe the grass, which is to day in the field… how much more will he clothe you,”

Then the entire meaning of these verses is summed up in verse 29 through 34

“And seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind. For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things.”

“But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you.
Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom…”

“For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”