Tender Mercies

Tender Mercies

     In October 23, 1989, I had the opportunity to go to the Sacred Grove with my parents, our oldest daughter Christine and oldest son Aaron.  It was a free trip because we had frequent flyer miles from a trip we took to Istanbul, Turkey.  Because Christine was working as a Nanny in Pennsylvania we decided to fly back to see her and some Historical Church sights.  It was a wonderful trip and I wanted to share one tender mercy that was extended to us. 

     It was late in October in 1989, my brother Steve was driving and we were in Palmyra, New York, and anxiously awaiting to experience the Sacred Grove.  I had been there previously and wanted my children to have a similar experience.  I noticed that we were probably a few weeks too late because all the trees were bare and the leaves that were on the ground had turned brown.  When I had been there before I remembered the brilliant fall leaves on the trees.  As we arrived at the Joseph Smith home, which is directly across the street from the grove the first thing I noticed was there were leaves on the trees.  It was amazing; I had my brother drive back and forth to both edges of the property to verify that there were no leaves on any trees on either side of the property.  It was true, not a leaf on any tree.  When we walked into the grove there were also plenty of leaves on the ground in all their magnificent colors that crunched as we walked on that beautiful October day.

     The picture above is of my parents, I, Christine, and Aaron.  My brother Steve was taking the picture as he stood on the porch of the Joseph Smith home.  It was a special moment I have not forgotten and recognize God’s hand at all times in my life.  

I testify that the tender mercies of the Lord are available to all of us and that the Redeemer of Israel is eager to bestow such gifts upon us.

David Bednar