10/22/12

Isaiah 32:17


Looking over the balcony, I could see our young neighbor...creating mudpies...and at once...those peaceful, summer-days where time stood still for dreams and definition washed over me. 

I loved Pres. Uchtdorf's talk in conference.   

"When we are young, it seems that we will live forever. We think there is a limitless supply of sunrises waiting just beyond the horizon, and the future looks to us like an unbroken road stretching endlessly before us."


Isn’t it true that we often get so busy? And, sad to say, we even wear our busyness as a badge of honor, as though being busy, by itself, was an accomplishment or sign of a superior life.

Is it?
I think of our Lord and Exemplar, Jesus Christ, and His short life among the people of Galilee and Jerusalem. I have tried to imagine Him bustling between meetings or multitasking to get a list of urgent things accomplished.
I can’t see it.
Instead I see the compassionate and caring Son of God purposefully living each day. When He interacted with those around Him, they felt important and loved. He knew the infinite value of the people He met. He blessed them, ministered to them. He lifted them up, healed them. He gave them the precious gift of His time.
We shouldn’t wait to be happy until we reach some future point, only to discover that happiness was already available—all the time! Life is not meant to be appreciated only in retrospect. “This is the day which the Lord hath made … ,” the Psalmist wrote. “Rejoice and be glad in it.”6
Brothers and sisters, no matter our circumstances, no matter our challenges or trials, there is something in each day to embrace and cherish. There is something in each day that can bring gratitude and joy if only we will see and appreciate it.
My young neighbor didn't know that she was being observed, for great designs and mudpies must not be interrupted...nor does she know that her perfect circle design is significant beyond art, nor that she gave me moments of joyful reflection and grateful contemplation...all while I was hanging wet clothes on the line...

3 comments:

Elisa said...

My favorite so far! We really do need to stay ypung at heart! Loved that talk.

Rach said...

I needed to hear this, thank you!! thank you!!

Ashley said...

This is great! Benson and Aisley were playing yesterday and it was mentioned how they don't yet know what life is like yet. Oh to be able to be an adult, knowing the trials and troubles of the world, working to change it, and then taking moments to smile and giggle as a 1 year old knowing true joy!