"Talking" With Thomas

Today was probably the highlight of my visit this summer with Amy's family; I had the privilege of helping Thomas give a talk in Primary. The theme was member missionary work, and so the subject of his talk was about how being a good example is the best way to be a missionary. We used a picture of Ammon from the Book of Mormon and focused on how he was able to influence King Lamoni and his people because he was a good example of living the gospel. We practiced with Thomas several times, and he knew what to say well enough to keep finishing the sentences (except he kept changing "Lamanites" for "the bad guys"--kinda funny!). But when it came time to give his talk in Primary, Thomas had a little bit of stage fright at first. I stood right behind him, and whispered the words to him, and he then recited his talk very well and bravely. It was a special experience for me to share this little part of his life!

The Sea Spirit

I smile o'er the wrinkled blue
Lo! the sea is fair,
Smooth as the flow of a maiden's hair;
And the welkin's light shines through
Into mid-sea caverns of beryl hue,
And the little waves laugh and the mermaids sing,
And the sea is a beautiful, sinuous thing!

I scowl in sullen guise
The sea grows dark and dun,
The swift clouds hide the sun
But not the bale-light in my eyes,
And the frightened wind as it flies
Ruffles the billows with stormy wing,
And the sea is a terrible, treacherous thing!

When moonlight glimmers dim
I pass in the path of the mist,
Like a pale spirit by spirits kissed.
At dawn I chant my own weird hymn,
And I dabble my hair in the sunset's rim,
And I call to the dwellers along the shore
With a voice of gramarye evermore.

And if one for love of me
Gives to my call an ear,
I will woo him and hold him dear,
And teach him the way of the sea,
And my glamor shall ever over him be;
Though he wander afar in the cities of men
He will come at last to my arms again.

Lucy Maud Montgomery