Crisply Refreshing

While I was in college, a few friends of mine LOVED Martinelli's sparkling Apple Cider. Every dinner party we had included at least one bottle of Martinelli's. It was fantastic. One of the side labels on the bottle said something about it being "crisply refreshing". It's been a catch phrase in my life ever since. This fall has been good for me, a "crisply refreshing" experience. I've studied for and taken the GRE and felt good about the experience. I consider that a positive. Following the GRE, I had a mission reunion and General Conference. We'll count that a double positive. Elder Uchtdorf's talk from conference spoke directly to me. I have an incredible talent to fill my life to the brim (and maybe even higher), forgetting that there are other things in my life that need attention...for example, myself.

My dear brothers and sisters, we would do well to slow down a little, proceed at the optimum speed for our circumstances, focus on the significant, lift up our eyes, and truly see the things that matter most. Let us be mindful of the foundational precepts our Heavenly Father has given to His children that will establish the basis of a rich and fruitful mortal life with promises of eternal happiness. They will teach us to do “all these things . . . in wisdom and order; for it is not requisite that [we] should run faster than [we have] strength. [But] it is expedient that [we] should be diligent, [and] thereby . . . win the prize.”

My new job doesn't start for a few more days so I've had lots of free time during the past week. I've tried to use it meaningfully and in a small part, I feel as though I have succeeded. I've been able to volunteer in the schools. I went with a high school art class up the canyon to look at the fall leaves and help with their Andy Goldsworthy projects. I was able to spend some time in a 5th grade classroom and talk to them about space camp and all the great training techniques that they would have to go through before they went to space. I was able to help a good friend move, spend time with my sister-in-law and nephews, visit my grandmother and fill up her gas tank in her car. Basic things. I do them for myself regularly and sometimes they drive me absolutely bonkers. Doing them for someone else? Totally cathartic. Now. Before I sound too much like a selfless do-gooder, I did do quite a bit of stuff for myself as well. I no longer have Nebraska plates on my car. I no longer have a Nebraska drivers license. I no longer am on my parents insurance. I watched some of my favorite movies. I did some mega reading in the Book of Mormon. I watched the first 2 seasons of the Office. I read Shakespeare and Dickens. I cleaned my room multiple times. I ate tomato sandwiches with sharp white cheddar cheese. I made and bound a book! (thanks to roommate for coaching me on that one.) I enjoyed daily rain because I didn't have to run in it. I ran in the early morning and there was no rain. I feel blessed and am grateful for it.