24th of July Weekend

Whew!  We packed 'er up again last weekend and drove to my father-in-law's house in Wyoming.  Lets just say we are experiencing vacation fatigue.  :)  None of the kids were too happy about packing a suitcase again or driving again, especially on the heels of the start of school.  But it was a great weekend and very refreshing.

(Photos cred belongs to my husband in this post)

We attended the local parade, as has become tradition for us.  For those of you who don't know, I am LDS (Mormon).  We celebrate the 24th of July as a holiday because that is the day we commemorate the arrival of the Mormon pioneers into the Salt Lake Valley, after they were driven out of the midwest.  We often celebrate with parades, activities, and fireworks, which often feels eerily similar to the way we celebrate the 4th of July, with a pioneer flavor being a distinguishing factor.  Even though I have rejected some Mormon cultural norms, like jell-o (Mormon food in general is nooooott my favorite-- see some links at the bottom of the post) and politics (though I love my religion, I'm talking more incidentals that have nothing to do with religion, that have somehow become Mormon cultural traditions), I feel a lot of awe and respect when I think of my own pioneer ancestors.  I admire their courage in leaving behind their lives-- their homes, their families, their faith, all that was familiar, to strike out into the unknown because of some deeply held (new) beliefs.  Their hardship and suffering were a crucible that refined their hearts, humbled their lives, and shaped the growth of a hardy people in the wilds of the west.  Add to that, not only the striking out West, but the loss of loved ones along the way and a focus on dreams for the future while trying not to relive the nightmares of a persecuted past.

I love the upbeat tone of this song (Come, Come Ye Saints), considering all they had been through.  It always inspires me and makes me see that my problems are smaller than they often feel.  Here is one verse:

Why should we mourn or think our lot is hard?
'Tis not so; all is right.
Why should we think to earn a great reward
If we now shun the fight?
Gird up your loins; fresh courage take.
Our God will never us forsake;
And soon we'll have this tale to tell-
All is well! All is well!

Another favorite, one that always stirs my blood, is called Carry On.

Firm as the mountains around us,
Stalwart and brave we stand
On the rock our fathers planted
For us in this goodly land—
The rock of honor and virtue,
Of faith in the living God.
They raised his banner triumphant—
Over the desert sod.

Whenever I see the Salt Lake Temple, I think of the "rock our father's planted"-- hand-hewn, literal rock-- and how it represents the faith and tenacity of the early settlers.  The thing took 40 years to build, and much personal sacrifice, and now stands as a testament to them and their faith in God in spite of all they went through.  It has been a "rock" for many since-- bringing them closer to God, offering peace and comfort, and symbolizing family and its importance, to name a few.  I also have loved the symbolism of building my life on a rock, by being kind, honorable, and good (here).  And even though I think "rock" in this instance means Jesus Christ, I love the idea that it is our ancestors that help to "plant" it-- showing the importance, for me, of being a good parent so my kids and those that follow will have a strong foundation wherewith to weather the storms of life.  And that I can gather strength, when I need to, from those who have gone on before.

Sometimes the actual meaning of the holiday can get lost in the sticky taffy and smell of burnt fireworks.  I'm sure many people out there can relate, when it comes to Christmas, the 4th of July, or any other holiday.  This year we talked about the holiday with the kids before hand.

And even though the holiday is technically a serious one, and one that I feel connection to, I couldn't help laugh at some quirky parts of Mormon culture during the parade (one float, people dressed in all white, just felt a little, shall we say, awkward?).

Even though I'm Mormon, I have learned great respect for all viewpoints.  There are so many good people in this world, religious or not.  (we sat next to a work-friend at dinner the other night, and I didn't even clue in as to why he wasn't eating until my husband mentioned that he was fasting for Ramadan.  I have to tell you, I really respected him in that moment for the sacrifice he was making to live his beliefs.)  I have learned so much from my friends of all persuasions and appreciate the richness they have brought to my life and their contributions to the world!   What about you?

A parody blog, making fun of Mormon mom bloggers Here.  Mormon myths, funny - here.  A book about Joseph Smith, warts and all here.   Atlantic's Jell-O Love: Guide to Mormon Cuisine (very interesting) and how Mormon food is evolving, covered in the New York Times here.  And a Mormon librarian's humorous take on our cuisine, Relief Society cookbook style, here (prepare your gag reflexes).