On New Year's Eve, there was a spectacular concert and fireside held in Salt Lake City at the conference center for all youth (ages 12 to 18) of our church. My niece, Morgan, was privileged to be there in the audience. Lindsey and I were able to see the event via satellite from our chapel in Cedar Park. The concert included talented vocal performances, choral, orchestral, and piano talents, then three speakers. The uplifting talks were by Susan W. Tanner, Young Women General President, Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, and our church president and prophet, 97-year-old Gordon B. Hinckley. It was an extraordinary evening, yet a sacred and memorable way to welcome the new year, which happened to fall on a Sunday night.The theme for the meeting was "Let Virtue Garnish Thy Thoughts Unceasingly." The speakers did an outstanding job. One surprising musical performance came in the middle of Sister Tanner's talk when she referred to her adorable little granddaughters, who were then spotlighted, as all the lights from the huge conference center were dimmed, except where these precious little girls stood, dressed in matching frilly dresses. I was so nervous for them. They sweetly sang a duet of "I Like to Look for Rainbows." It was so heart-wrenchingly sweet. They must have been about two years old and five years old.
What an unforgettable night this will be for a long time, even though I was not at the conference center in person to see it live. Not only was I moved by the song of the granddaughters, but also the collective talent that was shared on this night. I am a huge fan of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, who were there, joined with a youth choir, and also some remarkable soloists who all performed beautifully. It was such a gift for me to be able to soak it all in, since I actually only needed to be there as Lindsey's mode of transport. I loved that I could benefit from it too.
One thing that President Hinckley said that he did in his youth on New Year's Eve was to bang on pots and pans to celebrate the new year. Later that night, Kelly and the kids and I were gathered around our kitchen table playing a game of Uno, a version with cards that spew them out when you press a button, and just before midnight, Kelly was disappointed that we hadn't purchased any noise makers. So I ran to the cupboards and got out some stainless pans and bowls and whisks, and said, "Yes, we do have noise makers!" Then we all hurried outside to the front porch as Kelly lit fireworks and the kids were jumping up and down in the driveway, banging on the pans shouting, "Happy New Year!" It was so much fun. Several neighbors were outside lighting fireworks and making noise and celebrating. We heard similar noises in the distance and it was a joyous feeling.
Comments