When Joseph Went to Bethlehem

Grandma Ruth is my children's only living great grandparent. She is a pretty special lady. Whenever we call her, she is positive and upbeat and so very gracious. I felt prompted to call her several times over the past week, and yesterday on the way home from preparing for a Christmas party at our church, I picked up the phone and dialed her number. It was after she told me the following story that I realized why I had felt prompted to call her. It was for me. And for the women in my little church congregation here in rural Maine. Her story needed to be shared with them. And today, with her permission, I want to share it with you as well:

It was the Christmas of 1960 when Grandma Ruth opened the mailbox and found a copy of The Friend magazine. Inside was a poem, written by a Methodist woman, entitled, "When Joseph Went to Bethlehem." The poem was so beautiful that she cut it out of the magazine and read it to her five young children, the oldest just 7 years old (and my future Father-in-law). She loved it so much that she convinced Lynn (or Papa Payne, as I now call him) to memorize it and read it during a primary talk he gave in church. At the time, she and Grandpa Reed were living in Pennsylvania and were, as she put it, "poor as church mice." Every Christmastime for the next several years, she would pull out this sweet poem and read it with her family. In 1966, when they were just slightly less poor than church mice, Grandpa bought a big upright piano. He was a very gifted pianist and musician. That same year at Christmastime, when Grandma pulled out the poem, Grandpa Reed declared, "This poem needs music." Forty-five minutes later he had composed a tune that they sang together as a family. Grandma encouraged him to write it down, which he did. It was later given to a friend of his who sat on the General Primary Board of the LDS church.

A few years later, once again at Christmastime, Grandma Ruth opened the December addition of The Friend Magazine to find that "When Joseph Went to Bethlehem" had been published in it, this time as a song with the music that Grandpa wrote. It was later published in the Children's Songbook for the LDS church and eventually in the Liahona Magazine.

By the time Grandpa Reed had passed away, his gentle song had been translated into 45 languages.  It was said at his funeral that "Children across the world in Kiribati, who sleep on palm leaves for a bed and have never owned a pair of shoes, sing 'When Joseph Went to Bethlehem' at Christmastime."

Ruth and Reed were never able to track down Bessie Spencer, the author of the original poem, but I like to think that Grandpa and her have had a chance to meet now and that they sing their song together at Christmas with the angels of heaven. Grandma told me that when Grandpa wrote the music, he wanted the tune to convey the cadence of the donkey being guided by Joseph while carrying Mary and her unborn child to Bethlehem. If you listen to it, you really can picture it. Not much is known about the humble carpenter who was chosen to be the foster father of the Savior of the world, but hearing this story and listening to Grandpa's song helps me feel a quiet reverence for what he must have endured and for his gentle heart.

Now when I sing this song, I will think about how small things can really touch people in a big way, whether it's reading a poem from a magazine with your family at Christmastime, or taking 45 minutes to share your talent with those you love most by writing a song, or by simply helping your neighbor. That is how we can light the world. One small act of kindness and love at a time.

When Joseph Went to Bethlehem

When Joseph went to Bethlehem I think he took great care
To place his tools and close his shop and leave no shavings there.
He urged the donkey forward, then, with Mary on its back,
And carried bread and goat cheese in a little linen sack.

I think there at the busy inn that he was meek and mild
And awed to be the guardian of Mary’s sacred child.
Perhaps all through the chilly hours he smoothed the swaddling bands,
And Jesus felt the quiet strength of Joseph’s gentle hands.

And close beside the manger bed he dimmed the lantern’s light,
And held the little Jesus close upon that holy night.

Link to a video of music/lyrics here.

Grandma Ruth and the kids (Summer 2017).

Answers to Questions

When Davis was a brand new baby, I was diagnosed with melanoma. It was a scary and uncertain time for Ryan and I. But it was also filled with a peace that I can't quite explain. I know Heavenly Father was watching over my family during that difficult time. Not coincidentally, my diagnosis came right around General Conference time. I have never clung to the messages of the prophets quite like I did during that Spring of 2010. Messages felt like they were directed right to me. Elder Oaks gave a talk on Healing the Sick and I felt like God knew my personal problems. Elder Hallstrom spoke about Turning to the Lord and I knew I wanted to be the kind of disciple that leaned on the Savior during times of trial. And Sister Beck spoke powerfully about personal revelation in a talk that I still refer to often because there is so much great counsel in it. 

Though my cancer was eradicated very quickly, I was able to hold on to the lessons I learned that spring about the value of General Conference. Because conference talks are so accessible these days, I have developed a habit over the years of listening to one conference talk each morning while I get ready for the day. I just push play on my phone while I'm putting on my makeup or picking out my clothes. It's amazing to me how well I can get to know the messages in the talks after listening this way. I can testify that on many occasions, the words of our leaders have come to my mind as an answer to a question I'm having or a doubt I may be experiencing. And it has helped me to help loved ones with the problems they face because there always seems to be a conference talk to comfort in times of trial. 

I know that if we take the time to come to conference with sincere questions, God will answer them. And as we study the talks and listen and re-listen, he will help to answer our prayers and the prayers of others through his inspired leaders. 

General Conference has Something for You

Priorities

I have been thinking a lot lately about priorities and how to keep my most important ones at the center of my life. This is not an easy thing for me. I feel like there are constant distractions that try to pull me away from what is most important. While most of these distractions aren't inherently bad, they shouldn't be given the amount of time and attention that they sometimes get. I love the most recent conference address by Elder Quentin L. Cook entitled "Choose Wisely." It was given during the Priesthood session of conference but I think it can apply to men and women alike. One of the most meaningful quotes for me from his address stated:

"Sometimes it feels like we are drowning in frivolous foolishness, nonsensical noise, and continuous contention. When we turn down the volume and examine the substance, there is very little that will assist us in our eternal quest toward righteous goals. One father wisely responds to his children with their numerous requests to participate in these distractions. He simply asks them, 'Will this make you a better person?'”

I have tried to ask myself that question as well as I go about my day to day life. Will this make me a better person? Though I have a long way to go, it has helped me begin to choose with a little bit more wisdom just how I use my time. I would love your thoughts on how you have found success in keeping your priorities in check and how you have made time for what is most important even with so many distractions. 

We all worry about our kids. I know you worry about yours. I worry about mine. Sometimes it is easy to feel overwhelmed with all the evil that there is in the world. How will I ever protect my children from the constant pull of pornography? How can I raise them to hear the still, small voice of the Spirit over all the "nonsensical noise" that constantly surrounds them? And how can I teach them how loved they are despite my imperfections and lack of parenting know-how? I was talking to Ryan about getting discouraged-because I have no idea what I'm doing when it comes to motherhood. I told him that even when I feel I am giving it all I can, I always end up lacking. He lovingly reminded me that no one is perfect and I realized that all I can do is give it my best each day. That is just what the Atonement of Jesus Christ is all about. I can give it my all, and it won't be enough. But Christ will make up the difference. He always does. And even though there will continue to be increasing darkness throughout the world, the light of His Gospel is burning brighter than ever. And light always trumps the dark. Always. He really can make all things right. I am thankful for the peace that knowledge brings.