Parker's Missionary Moment

Parker went to a birthday party on Saturday for a little friend in school. He didn't know it, but this friend and his family aren't LDS. In fact, I don't think they're affiliated with any church, and they are definitely good people but a little... colorful. So, I was standing talking to Dallan's mom and older sister, and I couldn't help but notice that the fourteen-year-ol sister was a little scary looking. She had spiky hair in the middle, and longer down the sides, WAY too much eye makeup, tight jeans, and had just pierced lip (on her own, yikes!). I looked at this girl and didn't see a daughter of God, I judged her as someone who was pretty messed up, making some weird choices. My Parker saw things a little differently that day. He was having some of the red punch they had, and wanted a little more. We stress manners around here, so I was pretty proud when he said, "Sister Carly, could I have some more punch please?" But I was also a little nervous, because I wasn't sure how she'd like being associated with the church when they so obviously weren't members. She didn't seem to mind, though (possibly she's gotten that before, living in Utah?), and helped him with the punch. As Parker and Mrs. Carly were walking away, she said, "Oh, that is SO cute! I want to be called Sister Carly someday." I was so surprised. I never would have guessed that response from her -- and suddenly I looked again andI saw that this little girl was a little lost right now for some reason. I looked and saw her being really sweet to her little brother. I saw her being a good friend with her cousin. I looked at the entire family in a different way -- there were no less than six uncles & aunts at this party, and a bunch of cousins -- and all of them were so nice to each other. They were a little rough around the edges, but they loved each other, and it was apparent to someone who was looking. Just goes to show you that sometimes the first impression isn't the right one.