Brett (an ex-boyfriend and dear dear friend) is in town for the holidays and we went to dinner tonight. It was wonderful to spend time with him. He was incredibly sweet and gave me a little Christmas present. It is a children's book about underwear, written by a 6 year old boy... Typical Brett. We stood in the parking lot and I read it quickly, we both giggled and shook our heads through the amazement that something this random would be so touching.
I loved the book... but mostly I loved the thought that was put into it.
My second present came from my Visiting Teachers. Apprently they dropped it off on the doorstep and Owen found it. A great plate of Christmas cookies (Owen enjoyed those) and a copy of the General Conference Ensign. It was perfect, I have been meaning to get one of those for a bit now...
I started thumbing through and settled on a talk from President Monson, titled Finding Joy in the Journey. He talks about how our lives go through changes and while those are happening life comes and goes, quickly. He encourages us to take advantage of today, to make the most of it. He quotes The Music Man saying, "[if] You pile up enough tomorrows, you'll find you've collected a lot of empty yesterdays." He follows it by saying, "There is no tomorrow to remember if we don't do something today."
I have really tried to live my life to the fullest the last couple of years, but this article hit home. I find the years flying by (is it really 2009 already?) and I realize that there are some important things that I'm still missing. I am pleased with the spontenaiety and the adventersome attitude that I have adopted, yet I realize that I still need to focus more on relationships - those are always most important.
Later on he heartfully says, "I plead with you not to let those most important things pass you by as you plan for that illusive and nonexistent future when you will have time to do all that you want to do. Instead, find joy in the journey - now."
Its easy to get sucked into "I'll do it when I get these other things taken care of...", but when it comes to relationships I see that they need to be a priority... all those other things will fall into place.
President Monson said, "Stresses in our lives come regardless of our circumstances. We must deal with them the best we can. But we should not let them get in the way of what is most important - and what is most important always involves the people around us."
Today my presents went hand in hand. As I read this article I thought about how grateful I was that both Brett and I found the time to get together. Today was the only day that both of us would be here and I'm glad we made it a priority to see eachother. His present was cute and thoughtful, the card was even more touching. Simple, sweet and very welcomed....
I don't like New Year's Resolutions, I think if it is something that important we should just start now, not wait for Jan 1st. So, here is my new resolution, starting today.... I'm going to try to never let the kind word go unsaid. If I'm thinking about someone I will let them know. If I appreciate something I will give the word of thanks. I will hug more. I will make calls more, long distance or next door. I will send more facebook "trinkets" ... haha. In a nut shell, I will let people know they are important to me.
SOOOOO. Thanks for reading, if you are here that means you are special to me. I hope you know that you touch my life, each and every one of you do in some way. I know this is generic, but I'm just getting started... :)
p.s.
If the thought of the underwear book strikes your fancy: http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Underwear-Dos-and-Donts/Todd-Parr/e/9780316908061
Brett and I, back in the day...
1 comment:
well said. fabulous post.
ps. im glad were friends.
Post a Comment