Am I Turtly enough for the Turtle Club?

Well.  I have decided that I want to be more like a turtle one day.  Now I do not know to much about the thought process of the creatures, but from what I have observed they are worth admiring.  I can not even count how many of the little guys we have passed in our recent travels.  They are all just there.  Right in the middle of the road.  Some might consider them suicidal.  I choose to call them determined.  It takes a lot of dedication to ones end goal to endure facing so much danger.  I mean there are a lot of crazy drivers out on these Kentucky roads.  We all know they can not dodge those kinds of things.  And its hot, they could melt right on the spot.  The turtles however stay focused.   Maybe they know that a better life is just on the other side of that long stretch of pavement.  Maybe the mere hope of such an ideal is enough to drive them to act.  Maybe they trust their instinct so much it leaves no room for doubt.  They are determined to the end.  Sticking with what they know is right even when they know it may cost them everything.

Our challenge today is simlar to that of my turtle friends that patiently, and diligently maintain a larger perspective.  An eternal perspective you might say.  Often we do not know what promised blessings await us on the other side of that long and dangerous journey.  But if we stay fast to what we know to be true, trusting in those instincts that are greater than our own, our reward will be of infinate worth. 

Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God adn of all men.  Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life.

2 Nephi 31:20

A Chocolate Endorphin Prayer

I am beginning to realize that I have a short attention span.  Many are probably shocked that I am just now beginning to realize this.  What can I say I am daily growing older and more aware.  I have noticed that I occasionally have to take a break.  Step back.  Take a breathe.  Do something spontaneous.  Then my focus can return to the task at hand.  Prior to my mission  I had quite a few available outlets that I could count on to bring refreshment.  I could sing Wicked at the top of my lungs as I danced around the table with my sisters to get a break from house work.  I could escape to the gym with my friends for a few games of basketball to avoid a homework melt down.  The phone was an available tool to call a friend for some encouragement in moments of trial.  Yep I had the system pretty well figured out.  Or so I thought.  Then I came on a mission.  I can honestly say I have never been happier.  I find great fulfillment in being a missionary and love the people with whom I serve.  I would be lying however to say the need for momentary vacation has all together ceased.  Now my sisters are not around, my Nike's are in the safe, and the phone is for missionary purposes only.  My typical outlets have dissolved.  I have noticed new habits taking their place.  Daily I reach for the treat bucket to pull out some chocolate.  That satisfies for a time.  Occasionally I find some time to run up and down the stairs out side of our apartment to get some endorphins pumping.  That works for a good natural high.  The most satisfying outlet however comes when I make it to my knees and turn to my Heavenly Father in prayer.  The rest of the world around me seems to disappear and I find myself in a realm of peace and comfort.  Prayer helps me align my will with God's.  It brings direction.  It helps me to feel the love of my Eternal Father.  Prayer brings the refreshment necessary to face whatever life may bring.  It is by far the greatest outlet we have been given.