Hmmm...I don't know if I did this correctly...guess I'll find out in a few minutes! Lol
In the '60's, the folk rock band, The Byrds, released a version of Turn! Turn! Turn!, written by Pete Seeger, and became a #1 hit. The lyrics were taken from Ecclesiastes, reputedly penned by King Solomon. I have always enjoyed these passages of scripture and even a folk rock interpretation. Way back in the '60's, in my teens, with life at my feet, I tacitly acknowledged that growing older would happen...but I certainly didn't think it would happen to me! Lol. But...sadly...when I look in the mirror...I clearly see that it has....
My Mom used to tell me to cherish the moments of my life. She started to tell me that when I was just a little girl...and I always thought I was...but time really has continued to march onward and to turn, turn, turn...
Mom knew how important it was to set goals and plan for the future, but she also knew how easily we can get so busy living that we never, ever, really live. Or...how we can be so excited to experience "someday" that we never, ever, really experience today. I couldn't wait until I was 8 and could be baptized. I couldn't wait until I was 10, 11, and 12, when I would be a "gaynote", "firelight", and "merrihand" (the Primary class names for girls when I was those ages). I couldn't wait until I graduated from Primary (girls had to wait to advance to YW - they advanced as a class at the end of their "merrihand" year, unlike the boys). I couldn't wait until I turned 14, when I could attend dances in Mutual. I couldn't wait until I turned 16 and could date. I couldn't wait until I could graduate and go to college. I couldn't wait until I got married. I couldn't wait until we had a baby. I couldn't wait until the baby (Wanda) would sleep through the night. I couldn't wait until....
Mom's counsel was so "spot on". I always felt like I was cherishing these "moments" but when I look back, I realize I was cherishing, but I was also wishing or hoping or waiting for the next milestone too. Even in the difficult, tragic, or frustrating moments or times of life, there are blessings and significant things to learn. How important it is to learn to live in the moment. To appreciate and cherish what is happening right now. And, I think that is one of the blessings of the counsel by our prophets, to keep a journal. I so regret that I was not better in that endeavor, not as consistent as I could have been...should have been. It seems to me that by journaling we are in essence giving thanks to our Father in Heaven for the blessing of that day and my inconsistency, my procrastination, forgetfulness, or rationalizations are evidence of treating my blessings lightly or not appreciating or recognizing and acknowledging my blessings. I guess, the fact is, that our lives are gifts from our loving Heavenly Father, and these "turns" are also wonderful gifts.
I am profoundly grateful for our children and grandchildren. I have no idea why I have been so blessed...but I'm so in love with each of them! All 42!!!! :)
I'm grateful for great medical care for both Rich and me. That includes drs, nurses, physical therapists, lab technicians, acupuncturists, trainers and the fact that we live in a day and time when so much is known that allows them to provide the care we need.
And, I am so grateful for the gospel and the Savior, for living prophets, priesthood power, the scriptures, and for loving parents who loved me.
No comments:
Post a Comment