LETTER TO THE EDITOR:A time to appreciate our many blessings

Dear friends, there are so many religious and cultural celebrations that occur at this time of year: Christmas for those of the Christian faith, Hanukkah for those who are Jewish, Eid al-Adha or the Feast of Sacrifice among Muslims, Kwanzaa or “first fruits” for those of African-American background, etc. It seems the world is taking time to look inside and count blessings. For us all, may we count our blessings, savoring each one.

Let me count blessings that I see about me in the year 2006.

First, I am truly blessed to have married my Lisa. She is kind, loving, patient, a magnificent mother, a true friend, and far more than I could have dreamed or conceived of when we married in 1976. She is a virtuous woman whose price is far above rubies, who children rise up and call her blessed. I love her.

Second, our five children are healthy, happy, faithful, progressing and making choices that will smooth their way as they progress down life’s path. Our eldest is married to a wonderful man who loves our daughter with all his heart and lives to lead his children in righteousness. We are grateful.

Third, who could have known how wonderful grandchildren are! When the time comes, I wish grandchildren on everyone — they warm every part of a grandparent’s heart.

Fourth, I am grateful for and love our nation! I am grateful that the democratic process allows each of us to participate in determining the direction of the nation. Thank goodness that political change takes time so that fashionable but shortsighted shifts in direction cannot alter the overall progress of the nation. We are so blessed to live here. There are problems throughout the nation and the world, but all in all, the potential to secure the blessings of opportunity, peace and freedom is here.

Last and most important, I am truly grateful for my faith that a child was born 2,000 years ago to a virgin mother. Within him was the capacity to ultimately take upon himself all the sins, weaknesses and failures of all mankind. He died to save us all and rose from the tomb, never to die again. Because he did, we all will rise as well. Through him, we can find our way back to his father’s presence to dwell with him forever.

I am truly grateful for the birth of that innocent, little baby.

To all the good people of the Newport Beach, Costa Mesa area, merry Christmas, happy Hanukkah, a meaningful Eid al-Adha, a bountiful Kwanzaa.

May you count your blessings with a grateful heart. May peace be with you at this time and throughout the year.

WEATHERFORD CLAYTON

President

Newport Beach Stake

Church of Jesus Christ

of Latter-day Saints