I don't know why this affected me so profoundly, but as I walked in to the Festival of Trees to pick up my centerpiece that I had purchased, this is what I saw. It was not beautiful. The trees were in a array of being packaged to go to their purchasers. There were large moving trucks pulling in and out of the back of the expo center picking up trees. There were volunteers helping people get their centerpieces, and whatever was small enough that the trucks didn't deliver. The big back doors were open and it was chilly inside the large hall. And then there were the volunteers, smiling and eager to help. I thought about the countless hours that happen behind the scenes. I thought about how much work it takes to make something so beautiful and worthwhile and NO credit is given to those that help in that vast cold hall. I was so grateful for them. I felt bad because I really didn't even want it to be me. Too cold, too thankless. I suspect it was a good sabbath lesson. I thought about this scripture:
3 Nephi 13:1 Verily, verily, I say that I would that ye should do alms unto the poor; but take heed that ye do not your alms before men to be seen of them; otherwise ye have no reward of your Father who is in heaven.
The folks that do the festival of trees truly are behind the scenes. I am sure there will be a reward for all they do. But for now, I am thankful for them.
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