Sunday, October 12, 2008

Today, I went to Carol’s house and visited with Carol and Aunt Susie.  Hailey, little Tony and Shane were also there.  Afterwards, I went to Bruce’s house.  We went to Vicki’s dad’s house and played music.  I had so much fun!  It was a beautiful day!  When I was at Bruce’s house, I took pictures of the tree’s, plants, flowers and the sky.  I got home around 11:30 p.m.

One of my favorite talks during General Conference was during the Sunday morning session by President Thomas S. Monson.  He talked about dealing with change and he said “This is our one and only chance at mortal life – here and now.  The longer we live, the greater is our realization it is brief.”  Don’t let the most important things pass while dreaming of an illusive future based on time to fulfill leisurely pursuits.  “Instead, find joy in the journey – now.” “What is most important almost always involves the people around us… Send that note to the friend you’ve been neglecting; give your child a hug; give your parents a hug; say I love you more; always express your thanks…  Let us relish life as we live it, find joy in the journey and share our love with friends and family.  One day, each of us will run out of tomorrows.”  Gratitude should be extended to God, as well.  President Monson’s talk reminded me of my mom and how she lived her life even after she found out she had cancer.  She lived every day as if there was no tomorrow.  She cherished every moment she had with her family.  She took every spare moment she had and did something weither it was horseback riding, shopping at Walmart, playing Yahtzee or other games with family and friends, going to visit her sisters and other family members, going to church, going to yard sales, going out to eat and of course playing music.  I miss my mom each day and I am grateful for the time that I have had with her.  I am grateful for the family I do have.  I know that every moment with them is precious.  I am so very grateful to have such a wonderful loving Heavenly Father.  He has blessed me so much.

The talk also made me think about when we were at Logan’s Roadhouse for my dad’s birthday and I was too afraid to tell the waitress that it was my dad’s birthday (because I am shy).  So I was trying to tell Kimmy to do it across the table.  Finally, after a few minutes went by, I looked around the table and the thought crossed my mind that this moment will never come again.  So I got up and went and told the waitress.  Then when they came and announced my dad’s 70^th birthday (they didn’t sing).  They said “attention everyone John here is celebrating his 70^th birthday so could everyone give a round of applause”.  Right then the look on my dad’s face I will never forget.  His smile was so big and his face lit up.  It is moments like this where I find “Joy in the Journey”.