Follow the Leader

I had a dream last night that I was driving without using my gps. I was happy, singing to the radio, and then after a while decided I'd been driving for quite a while and should be there by now. I pulled off the road only to find out that I had two cars following behind me- and they were rather upset when I told them I didn't know where we were or the address of where we were going. I didn't know I was leading!!

Well, the more I thought about this, the more I realized...we are ALWAYS leading. Someone is usually following us...kids, family, random people we don't realize are watching our example, etc. So where are we leading them? Do we know where we're heading? I'm going to try harder to make sure my 'gps' is on (aka my ability to receive inspiration from the Holy Ghost) so that no matter who is following, I know I'm leading myself and them toward becoming more like the Savior.

Just Breathe

Hawaii is one of those places that you can't help but get a glimpse of Heaven. Everywhere you look there is a breathtaking vista! This is the 'Blowhole' located on Oahu. There's a large hole in the rock that extends over the water. When a wave comes in, the hole fills with water, and then at the last moment this huge mist comes shooting out the top. It's really fascinating to watch!

It makes me think of how often those waves come crashing into us- we don't think we can stand it, but we do...and then at some moment usually after the fact, we let loose- everything that's been bottled up tries to shoot out at the same time...and it does....and then it subsides...and finally there's peace. We breathe. We realize we're strong enough to handle even the toughest 'wave.' And we are. We were made to survive. We are made to LIVE. Heavenly Father has created us to learn, to live, to experience, and to trust.

Next time something comes crashing into us, take a moment to remember it'll all subside eventually. For now, your job is to breathe.

Clear the Mist

I've always been fascinated by water- I love the sound of it trickling in a stream, love to watch it race down a river, love the view of the ocean, etc. Water has the ability to cleanse, to save, to generate power, to sustain life.

As I watched this water pour over the side of Niagara Falls, I was fascinated with the awe-inspiring sight. The longer I gazed at the view, the more I noticed the mist. I found myself wishing it would clear so I could see the water falling behind it. Every now and then the wind would blow allowing a glimmer of what the mist hid to shine through, but I was never able to appreciate the entire view at one time. I decided instead to focus on the beauty I COULD see...the water not hidden by rising mist.

It made me think about how in my own life I'm often focused on the mist rather than the beauty in front of me...the blessings I CAN see...the blessings I CAN count. Often so much is going on that we can't get a clear view of how blessed our lives really are. What if I could really comprehend the many, many blessings that surround me and not even acknowledge the mist- the self-imposed worries, the trials, the things I allow to get in the way?

So, my thought for the day: Focus on the spots where there isn't any mist, appreciate them, and have faith in the good that's hidden behind the mist...the blessings just waiting behind the trials. Eventually the wind will blow enough for you to appreciate what's behind the mist as well.