Joy in the Journey
Carrie Call
Finding Joy in the Journey by President Monson is one of my favorite talks! He says this:
“This is our one and only chance at mortal life – here and now. The longer we live, the greater is our realization that it is brief. Opportunities come, and then they are gone. I believe that among the greatest lessons we are to learn in this short sojourn upon the earth are lessons that help us distinguish between what is important and what is not. I plead with you not to let those most important things pass you by as you plan for that illusive and nonexistent future when you will have time to do all that you want to do. Instead, find joy in the journey – now.”
Thankfully I was taught this lesson by the Spirit when my boys were little. Kevin and I were married for 4 ½ years before we had children. I had worked that whole time. When we had our first son, it only took 5 days to realize he had some health issues. So I had to keep working to hold onto our insurance (and I worked in a pediatric office which is handy with a sick child!). When we had our second son I cut back to one day a week. Then we moved to Idaho and I quit all together.
This was harder for me mentally than I ever thought it would be. Not because I didn’t want to be home, but all of sudden I wasn’t contributing financially. Looking back I realize that was totally ridiculous. I had only been working one day a week, but I felt like I was contributing. When I was home all day with the boys suddenly I felt like I needed to “prove my worth” I guess. So I became a cleaning maniac. I cleaned constantly. Like deep cleaning the bathrooms twice a week! And I feel like I need to add the disclaimer that this was all me being messed up. My husband had no clue what was going on in my head. He was just happy I was home with our children.
So one night I fell into bed absolutely exhausted like usual. And the Spirit whispered to me, “Do you know what your children did today?” The question made my eyes fly open! Obviously they had been cared for, but did I know what they spent their day doing? Did I get on their level and play? Did I explore world from their eyes? Sadly, no. I knew that needed to change immediately. And the next day it did!
I feel like that lesson has served me well since then also. I enjoy the moment. Savor experiences. Celebrate each phase of life.
“Enjoy the little things in life because one day you’ll look back and realize they were the big things.” – Kurt Vonnegut
Love,
Carrie Call
Relief Society Instructor
View Point Neighborhood
P.S. For tons and tons of fun do a Kardashian Christmas card with your family. SO. MUCH. FUN.
