....a simple candy bar :)
I went to the Relief Society broadcast this weekend and I absolutely loved President Uchtdorf's talk. When does one not love his talks though, really? ha ha. He made an analogy about the Forget-me-not flower and compared its petals to five things we should never forget in our own lives. The five "forget-me-nots" were:
1) Forget not to be patient with yourself
2) Forget not the difference between a good sacrifice and a bad sacrifice
3) Forget not to be happy now
4) Forget not the "why" of the gospel
5) Forget not that the Lord loves you
I would love to write about the entire talk (trust me, it was that good), but it's better in his own words so go check it out if you haven't heard it yet.
What I will talk about is one point that really hit me hard at this time in my life. It's something you hear often, but President Uchtdorf put the point into a new light. It was his third forget-me-not: forget not to be happy now. Now I don't really see myself as an unhappy person; I usually have a pretty healthy and optimistic attitude on life, but where he really got me thinking was in his comparison to the "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" story. He quoted a part from the book where the public is alerted that five golden tickets were dispersed in Wonka candy bars. With the news, people spent their time searching for the tickets and quickly forgot the enjoyment they used to find in eating a simple candy bar.
He then talked about the idea that we each have our own "golden tickets" in life. We often think we will be happy and satisfied when a certain event takes place, and as we wait for such an event, we miss the simple moments in life that could bring us the joy we desire if we would only recognize their significance. He talked about a single woman who wanted to be married and to raise a family more than anything else. That dream was never realized though and she quickly became bitter and lonely. No one wanted to be around her because of her attitude and perspective on life. I've been around people like this myself (and have even been this woman on occasion) and I think most would agree, such people can be rather draining. The example of this woman makes me want to be more cognizant of my own attitudes and actions. She was a teacher, but found no enjoyment in her career. I find this attitude to be truly tragic as she had the unique opportunity to make a profound difference in the life of each child she encountered. Uchtdorf reminded the women to discover the beauty of the everyday moments as those that do so are they who are truly happy.
This message reminded me, once again, of the opportunities I have been blessed with. Years ago, I never would have guessed my life would be what it is today, but more and more, I realize that's okay. I'm currently in a program that will give me the opportunity to bless the lives of others. I have already experienced this in my apprenticeship as I work with a little girl. I look at her and think of her future and the impact my training could have on her life...the confidence it could give her...and it makes me so much more appreciative and dedicated to the work I will be required to put into my program. It will all be worth it in the end. I want to find joy in my personal journey here on this earth...through the good and the bad...and I want to instill such joy in others through loving service. We are, quite literally, either the creators or the destroyers of our own happiness so let's "forget not to be happy now."
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Blessing #12
Sadie.
My dog died very suddenly this week and it was really quite hard for me. I haven't had to deal with death much in my life. My grandpa died a few years ago and I remember gaining a stronger testimony of eternal families during that time. I hadn't really given the doctrine of eternal families much thought up to that point...I mean, I had grown up learning I would have an eternal family and was so grateful for that, but when my grandpa died, I really searched the doctrine further and was incredibly grateful for the peace it brought into my life during that difficult time. I loved him so much.
I felt that same pain again this week as I held my dog for the last time. It probably sounds silly to those who have not owned a dog before, but she was literally a part of my family and a part of me. She was always such a blessing to me. When I was home alone, I felt safe knowing she was there with me. When I needed to talk, yes, I would talk to my dog...and she would always just sit there next to me and listen. When I came home for the weekends in my Provo years, she would run around the house excitedly and she would literally give me a hug. She made me feel so special. My dog was my good friend. My house seems so quiet without her now and I know I will continue to miss her presence in my life.
The night after we lost her, I decided to watch Marley and Me. I know, I was just asking for more tears right? :) It was so good though to watch such a tender story about a family and their love for their dog. In the end of that movie, a certain quote always gets me. The main character in the story, John Grogan, says: "A dog has no use for fancy cars, big homes, or designer clothes. A water log stick will do just fine. A dog doesn't care if you're rich or poor, clever or dull, smart or dumb. Give him your heart and he'll give you his. How many people can you say that about? How many people can make you feel rare and pure and special? How many people can make you feel extraordinary?"
I have always loved that quote. The words are said as he is watching his family through the window and I find the scene so touching. Our families are truly the ones who can bless our lives in such a way...they can make us feel extraordinary. I know that is true because I have experienced that in my own family. I am truly grateful for them and am incredibly grateful for the time I had with my dog. She made my family complete and I will remember her always :)
My dog died very suddenly this week and it was really quite hard for me. I haven't had to deal with death much in my life. My grandpa died a few years ago and I remember gaining a stronger testimony of eternal families during that time. I hadn't really given the doctrine of eternal families much thought up to that point...I mean, I had grown up learning I would have an eternal family and was so grateful for that, but when my grandpa died, I really searched the doctrine further and was incredibly grateful for the peace it brought into my life during that difficult time. I loved him so much.
I felt that same pain again this week as I held my dog for the last time. It probably sounds silly to those who have not owned a dog before, but she was literally a part of my family and a part of me. She was always such a blessing to me. When I was home alone, I felt safe knowing she was there with me. When I needed to talk, yes, I would talk to my dog...and she would always just sit there next to me and listen. When I came home for the weekends in my Provo years, she would run around the house excitedly and she would literally give me a hug. She made me feel so special. My dog was my good friend. My house seems so quiet without her now and I know I will continue to miss her presence in my life.
The night after we lost her, I decided to watch Marley and Me. I know, I was just asking for more tears right? :) It was so good though to watch such a tender story about a family and their love for their dog. In the end of that movie, a certain quote always gets me. The main character in the story, John Grogan, says: "A dog has no use for fancy cars, big homes, or designer clothes. A water log stick will do just fine. A dog doesn't care if you're rich or poor, clever or dull, smart or dumb. Give him your heart and he'll give you his. How many people can you say that about? How many people can make you feel rare and pure and special? How many people can make you feel extraordinary?"
I have always loved that quote. The words are said as he is watching his family through the window and I find the scene so touching. Our families are truly the ones who can bless our lives in such a way...they can make us feel extraordinary. I know that is true because I have experienced that in my own family. I am truly grateful for them and am incredibly grateful for the time I had with my dog. She made my family complete and I will remember her always :)
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Blessing #11
TRAX! Yes, this post is dedicated to the trax train. UTA should be thanking me for promoting one of their modes of transportation ;) Why on earth am I grateful for TRAX today? Well, other than the fact that it is just plain awesome to ride a train, TRAX made me smile today. Here's why: I love to people watch! Don't call me a creeper, you know you love to people watch too ;) Today's people watching session was special though! I watched a young, male college student talking to someone on the phone and he couldn't stop smiling....you know, the cutesy, cheesy, sappy, talking to his new girlfriend type of smiling :)
I then watched a girl take out her phone to find that she had received a text message. Instantly, a massive smile appeared on her face and I watched her read the message over and over again...now, let's be honest ladies, we've all done this! I have no idea what was said in the phone conversation or the text message, but each of their reactions told me everything I needed to know...they were both so, extremely happy and in love. I tried to imagine what could be going on in their lives and relationships and couldn't stop myself from smiling also as I considered the possibilities. While the road to finding one's EC (eternal companion) can be difficult at times, it can also be just plain adorable. I love love! :)
I then watched a girl take out her phone to find that she had received a text message. Instantly, a massive smile appeared on her face and I watched her read the message over and over again...now, let's be honest ladies, we've all done this! I have no idea what was said in the phone conversation or the text message, but each of their reactions told me everything I needed to know...they were both so, extremely happy and in love. I tried to imagine what could be going on in their lives and relationships and couldn't stop myself from smiling also as I considered the possibilities. While the road to finding one's EC (eternal companion) can be difficult at times, it can also be just plain adorable. I love love! :)
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