January

Can y'all believe it's almost February!?

School has almost been going on for a month. Now is the time that you either ease off of your work ethic or put forth that extra effort to succeed.

So what? I'm tired. It's as simple as that. All of the goals I have to earn stellar grades so that I don't have to worry as much about if I'm going to get into the Accounting program or not are still there. Overall, I am determined and focused. I keep up with the textbook readings, take all of the pre- and post-class quizzes, and attend and take notes in all of my classes. But I am tired from working hard in school, working hard on staying healthy, working hard to be a good friend and participant in my ward, and working hard on having a social life. As a college student at BYU, you have a lot of expectation for yourself.

But I wouldn't have it any other way. Because even though I'm tired, I'm motivated. And what's the point of life if you aren't motivated to achieve? As children of our Heavenly Father, we brought amazing divine potential with us to this earth. And now is the time to decide what to do with it. So even though I'm tired when I wake up in the morning, I am moving forward. And each day brings me closer to my goal. Each chapter read, assignment completed, and test taken is a check mark on my list of accomplishments for the semester. And as I keep on keeping on, I have the potential to go places. And as I look back on what I've accomplished during January, I am excited to see what February contains. A new month is almost like a brand new start. The future is bright, y'all.

The Redwood

The redwood trees are the tallest in the world. The interesting thing about them is their root systems are only five to six feet deep.

But so what? This week I have to give a talk in church. My topic is faith. Which is really simple, but also really broad. In thinking about what I could say I kept thinking about the redwood trees.

Faith is tricky. It's belief in something that you can't see. For some people, it isn't a problem to believe that God exists. Others have moments of doubt. We are a forest of different trees, each growing towards the same heaven but each relying on our own growth to get there. Part of the journey is accepting the fact that we won't have all the answers. Most of the time, growing seasons aren't perfect. There isn't enough water, there isn't enough sunlight, bugs destroy part of the bark. From year to year the size of our growth may vary. But as long as we're growing, our goal is getting closer.

Our roots don't have to be in deep doctrine, in having all the answers, in order to facilitate growth.

Another interesting thing about the redwood tree root systems are that they interlock with the trees around them. There is a vast network of intertwined roots underneath a redwood forest. New trees either sprout close to the older trees or can even grow straight off of a fallen mature redwood. If a redwood tree was by itself, the roots would not be a sufficient anchor to keep a tree grounded and growing vertically. But because they rely on one another, they are able to borrow the strength of the forest and keep on keeping on.

Now what? One valuable resource we have to grow our faith is each other. We can rely on the system of our friends, our ward, and our family. We can learn from the experiences of others, discuss common questions, and lean on the faith of someone else when we are too weak to do it alone. Relationships we have in life are important. With the help of those around us, we reach our potential as the tallest trees. 

Running into inspiration

I like to think that I'm a runner. I gained a love for running when I started at BYU, and kept it up through my mission. I'm planning on running a half marathon in June and thus have been starting to get into the swing of training for that. However, the longest I have ever run at one time in my life is 5 miles. On average, I usually only do 2 or 3 miles at a time. Today I was feeling ambitious and did 4 1/2. And it felt really good. Sure, my legs were tired and some moments I just wanted to stop and lie down on the pavement. But overall I felt great. Especially when I was done and could look back and have the sense of accomplishment that a good run brings.

The 'so what' of this post though? A little out of form. While I was running, I met the nicest lady. To be fair, I was walking at the time. She called me over because she had a question for me, and I expected an inquiry on directions or something along those lines. But she proceeded to ask where I had gotten my sweet running tights. And told me how good they looked, and how my countenance was really bright. Maybe that sounds a little creepy, but she definitely had one of the most beautiful countenances I had ever seen. She radiated charity and it felt good just to have a simple conversation with her. Talking to her made my day, and just overall made me feel good about myself. She was just a kind soul.

And that inspired me. Not only did I walk away feeling happier than before, but I also felt motivated. Motivated to finish my run (this was about halfway through the 4 1/2 miles) and motivated to be a better person. I had this desire to share the light that she had given me so other people could also feel this happiness. And, looking back, it really did effect the rest of my day. I smiled at more people as I walked by them. I smiled more in general. Isn't it awesome that there are people in this world that take the time to reach out and brighten the moods of others? I found a new role model for my life, and I plan on continuing to try to be more like the nice lady I met on my run.

Adjustment Period

I recently returned from an 18 month mission for my church. I've been back for almost three weeks now.

So what?

The past few days have been crazy. Starting school, moving in, transitioning into a new schedule and social role, etc. Being a normal college student is much harder than being a missionary. As a missionary, your life is regulated and your purpose is very clear. I learned a lot in the past 18 months, but I have found that as I am adjusting back to being a normal person, some of the good habits I gained are starting to fade. And I don't want that to happen!

Now what? 

Luckily, on my mission I learned that not reaching your goals the first time is not the end of the world. Each new day is another day to do better. I am more resolved to stick to the plans I have made for this semester. I know that I am in control of my habits and schedule. As I keep working at it, I can keep moving forward instead of sliding back into the comfort of who I used to be. I will make plans, set goals, and accomplish what I need to. I won't be perfect at it, but I am more resolved to simply try.