One Fine Day

Today truly was One Fine Day. I realize more and more each day how much I really love life. There are moments when I really fail to see the beauty around me and then along comes a day or an event and everything is put back into perspective.

I went to the temple today (well technically yesterday since it is 12:40 am). I always tell my closest friends that I have temple induced narcolepsy, and I often think I do. For several years I would go to the temple and sit through the session and pay attention. Now my eyes can't be persuaded to stay open, no matter how many Heaven sent prayers I send up or how much I try to change positions, come well rested, or have someone jab me if I start nodding. I often wonder why and tonight I believe I realized a little part of me is not doing everything I can to stay awake. I realized I am not "partaking" in the experience. I wondered about the word "partake" after the session today and I opened up to the Topical Guide and found that it also means to inherit. I cannot possible expect to go to the temple unprepared spiritually and learn something new. I have to invest in my inheritance, I have to "partake" of the fruit of the gospel of Jesus Christ that has been offered me. I have to work to find purpose in my temple visits.

We often hear that we have to be "anxiously engaged" and that there are three levels of participation, "good, better, and best". It became apparent to me this evening that my participation at "best" is engaged. What a thought! It never ceases to surprise me that I am learning the little things still, that simple things hit me like a ton of bricks.

There is one part of my life right now that really scores big for me....it is the fact that we are in the most inspiring and rejuvenating part of the year. Heavenly Father knew we needed to see things dull and dreary with cold and darkness in order to appreciate the goodness he has created for our benefit and enjoyment. I refer now to the simplicity of "The Sound of Music" and the song about favorite things.

My favorite things include the simple things like rain drops, freshly mowed grass, gentle spring breezes, subtle sunrises and sunsets, quiet anticipation of summer and vacation, and the thought of God painting a beautiful canvas to remind us that He is always near and that He loves us. I cannot think of a better way to be spending my life than living each day to its potential. I pray that I can begin living my days with full potential and that I recognize the hand of the Lord in all I do.

Lately I have giggled a bit at the simple things the Lord has done for me. One day I felt impressed to have a personal fast. It was neat that in the middle of the week that was what I felt was important to do. I began a fast and things that had been frustrating me were gently worked out one by one as if by small miracles, then one student asked what was for lunch and I realized the biggest tender mercy of all was that the Lord knew I couldnt bear the thought of eating what was on the lunch menu for the day. I began to giggle and sent a few silent prayers upward. Spaghetti is my worst enemy when it comes to food these days and kindly enough the Lord prompted me to fast fittingly on the day that Spaghetti was served in the lunch room. I know it is silly, but to me it means a lot to know that I have a Lord who may just possibly have a sense of humor and a tender spot in His heart for me. Here is a video link (haven't figured out embedding yet) to President Bednars talk on Tender Mercies. He really is a wonderful man and I am glad to have met and associated with him prior to my mission to Chile and his mission in the Quorum of the 12.

http://www.lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?locale=0&vgnextoid=bd163ca6e9aa3210VgnVCM1000003a94610aRCRD&channelId=bd163ca6e9aa3210VgnVCM1000003a94610aRCRD&sourceId=262b2899e7127210VgnVCM100000176f620a____