Most ophthalmic surgery is done in ambulatory surgery centers. Today I made my rare pass through Summerlin Hospital for a case. Since I am not a regular there, I don’t have my own locker. Fortunately I have friends in high places that do have their own lockers. I hope they don’t mind when I need to “borrow” like I did this morning.

Tennis has been an important part of my life since I was 10 years old. Except for seasons when I am nursing unhealed injuries, I feel very blessed to be able to play a couple times a week. No, the shots are not as penetrating. And the mobility is much more limited (becoming a doubles specialist). And if I play too often my tennis elbow and my plantar fasciaitis pull be back in check. But tennis is the only exercise where I feel I am cheating- it doesn’t seem like exercise. I am grateful to have this outlet in my life.

Tonight I give thanks for kind friends, many kind friends. I have been blessed in countless ways by them. They are kind to me and my family. They are kind to their other friends. They are kind to people they don’t know. They are kind when they don’t have to be. Oh that we could all be surrounded by good, generous and kind friends like those that are part of my life.

I am intrigued by the teaching from the Book of Mormon, “all things denote there is a God”. At times I get glimpses of this truth in my daily journey. It occurs when common things in life take on a greater symbolism, teaching us of the reality and goodness of God. Elder Marlin K. Jensen recently gave a devotional in which he teaches about trees and helps us understand how trees can help inspire us to be better people, more God-like. In brief he taught the following:

Lesson No.1: Trees always grow toward the light.

Lesson No. 2: Trees require opposition to fulfill the measure of their creation.

Lesson No. 3: Trees are best grown in forests, not in isolation.

Lesson No. 4: Trees draw strength from the nutrients created by previous generations of trees.

The full text of the devotional can be seen at: http://tinyurl.com/6pmn5ne

I am grateful for these important symbols that surround us.