I returned from Tucson today and as my flight descended toward the SLC airport and I beheld the fresh coat of snow in the valley and on the mountains, my heart jumped. Mind you, I've spent the last two days in 70 degree sunny weather at a resort where the saguaro cactus surround, waving and reaching to the sky. A place to where many rush to escape winter's deathly tentacles. But for me, winter in the rockies is peaceful and cozy. It's essence of quiet beauty restores me. I was happy to return.

In downtown Tucson last night I stopped at a drug store to get some toothpaste. After making my purchase I came out of the store, and while walking to my rental car a guy approached me and asked me for my spare change. I quickly raised my hand in the halt position and told him grumpily that I had no spare change. I was telling the truth. In this plastic age, I'm mostly cashless. But I'm sure I could've found a way to help him somehow, without even much inconvenience to me. He told me in a most pleasant manner to have a nice evening after which I guiltily sulked the rest of the way to my car. As I was pulling out I looked to where he had been standing and I couldn't see him. The thought occurred that maybe he was one of the Three Nephites or some other heavenly tester who beamed away to report I had failed miserably....again. I dismissed the silly thought at about the same time he rounded the corner back into my view.

Nevertheless, I had failed. I resolved to slow down this holiday season, to look into the faces of strangers and try to be more like The Master. Again.