Description

He Cares

It was the summer of 1962 and Lynette was in Paris, which would seem the dream of any 19 year-old young woman’s life. She had worked hard to be there. She and others auditioned to be a part of a renowned symphonic band that would travel and perform across Europe. And not only was she chosen, but she was first chair. All the way from Utah to Paris. Somewhere in the beginnings of the trip she began to feel the pangs of homesickness. But why? She had been off to college—away from home. No matter, why. It hurt—terribly.

On the day they were to tour the white cliffs of Dover in England she experienced a migraine that kept her from sightseeing.

By the time she reached Paris the homesickness was more than just a state of mind—it was a state of body as well. She cried out to God for comfort and help. Desperately, she wanted to go home but knew she could not.  She just couldn’t bear to be gone that long and that far away.

With her friends, Lynette went to the Eiffel Tower, and though awed by the very sight of it, still the pain for her was ever-present. They rode the elevators to the very top and experienced that breathtaking,– once in a lifetime– view of the city. When they were done they got into the elevator and descended to the middle level where there would be a short wait for another elevator to take them to the ground.  As they stood there waiting they heard the familiar beep that signaled that the elevator door was about to open.  The doors opened — and standing there, ready to step out—was her stake president, neighbor and friend from back home.  With a cry of relief and joy, Lynette launched herself into his arms. He held her and spoke words of comfort. From that moment forward, the pain and homesickness were gone and she was able to finish the tour, and more importantly—to have fun. Nearly 60 years after the event, Lynette told me, “The Lord hears and answers our prayers. He cares about who, what, and where we are. If it matters to us, it matters to him.” And so it is!