Firm Foundations

Stuck in the Airport

Illustrations by Greg Newbold

It was December 22, and after finishing my two-year mission in Guatemala, I was finally coming home. The only gift I wanted that Christmas was to see my family—in person—and hug my parents.

But as my layover flight landed in Chicago, Illinois, USA, things got a little crazy. A blizzard hit that part of the country and flights were getting canceled left and right.

I raced to my next gate only to find out I wasn’t getting home anytime soon.

It was nearly Christmas and I was stuck in the airport. No cell phone, no place to go but hard airport seats, and my family wondering when I’d get there. I was really disappointed.

But then my luck changed. After only six hours, I boarded a plane and got home to Kentucky, USA. It wasn’t that long of a delay after all!

As Christmas came and I thought about the Savior, Jesus Christ, I realized something really important. Yes, He suffered for my sins, but He also took upon Himself my pains, my sorrows, and even my small disappointments like being stuck in an airport for a few hours.

In the big scheme of things, getting home a little late for Christmas wasn’t a that big of a deal, and not just because some people endure far worse things. It was also because the Savior had already paved a way for me to find eternal peace, even from my small frustrations.

And that really is the sweetest Christmas gift.

Joshua P., Utah, USA

“The Savior knows and loves you. He knows your name as you know His. He knows your troubles. He has experienced them.”

President Henry B. Eyring of the First Presidency, “Try, Try, Try,” Oct. 2018 general conference (Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2018, 93).

How Can I Show Gratitude for the Savior’s Atonement?

1. Say prayers of thanks. Grateful prayers show that we understand the importance of the Savior’s sacrifice (see Psalm 50:14–15; Mosiah 2:19–22).

2. Study His word. Learning about Jesus Christ through the scriptures helps us recognize the blessings of His Atonement.

3. Repent of my sins. There is joy in heaven when a soul repents (see Luke 15:7).

4. Keep the Sabbath day holy. The Sabbath day is reserved so that we can “pay [our] devotions unto the Most High” (Doctrine and Covenants 59:9–10).

5. Reverently partake of the sacrament. This is the way He has asked us to remember His sacrifice (see 3 Nephi 18:6–7).

A New Tradition

I was 12 years old when my dad was called to serve as a mission president in Mexico. It was fun to be in a new country, but I was also sad to leave so many friends and family members, especially when Christmas came around.

In my homeland of Argentina, all of my extended family would gather together for Christmas, and I was sad that we wouldn’t get to be there. But I decided I was going to be open to creating new traditions and memories. After all, I love new adventures.

Because my sister and I were on Christmas holiday, we accompanied my parents on a tour of the mission. Seeing all the missionaries, I realized I wasn’t the only one who was going to be celebrating Christmas far away from home and family. That year, I learned that no matter where we are, the most important thing to do on Christmas is remember our Savior. The missionaries were dedicating their time to the Lord, and I thought that was one of the best things to be doing during this time of the year.

For the next three years, my family created new traditions, and my favorite one soon became spending Christmas Eve with the missionaries. We would sing and listen to Christmas songs while we made blankets to give to people in need. Our night was based on service and remembering Jesus Christ. I will never forget spending Christmas in Mexico and how close I felt to God.

Sofia S., Buenos Aires, Argentina

Better Than a New Album

One day around Christmas, I was with my dad at the store. My favorite singer’s new album had just come out, and I begged him to buy it for me. Dad explained that he and Mom had already bought presents and didn’t have a lot of extra money to spend. Still, I was upset I couldn’t get the album.

When we reached the check-out line, I noticed a mother in front of us trying to buy some sparkly shoes for her little girl. She didn’t have enough money to pay for them, and she left looking very sad as her daughter began to cry.

When it was our turn to check out, I was surprised when Dad picked up the sparkly shoes and bought them. He ran to the parking lot to give them to the mother. Through her tears, she thanked him and said the shoes would be her daughter’s only Christmas present that year. She had prayed she might find a way to buy them.

The album suddenly didn’t seem so important to me. I was glad my dad followed the Spirit and helped someone else, even though it was a sacrifice. That day, I learned that giving is better than receiving.

Makenna L., Utah, USA