A few Sunday's ago I had the wonderful opportunity of being able to give the lesson in Relief Society. I was nervous, sure, but I really enjoyed it. It was funny they had me give the lesson since I'm in Nursery. But it made me realize how much I miss being in there and being surrounded by adults. I love my Nursery class, don't get me wrong, but it's just nice to not have screaming and crying kids all the time. :)
The lesson was
"Finding Joy in the Journey" from President Monson's October 2008 Conference talk. If you haven't read this talk please DO!
I LOVED this talk when I watched it. I LOVED reading it over and over again in preparation for the lesson. I LOVED feeling the spirit in this lesson. I LOVED realizing that things can be tough, trialsome, interesting, different, uncomfortable in life but it's how we handle those things and those times that matter; finding
Joy in what we're given.
Now, I don't always look at the
Joy that can be found - I'm stubborn. Sometimes it's easier to look at the bad then try to remember the good. But I try. I may not be able to have kids right now, as much as I want to. I await the day when it will happen, whether naturally or by adoption. But I find
Joy in having a beautiful 11 year old step daughter, in having 6 handsome nephews that make me laugh so hard, in having a wonderful husband who loves me, and in having an amazing family; my parents, brothers and sister and my wonderful in-laws.
I find
Joy in Music; singing, my guitar and piano. I find
Joy in Photography whether by pictures I take or just looking at pictures from back in the day; on my mission, in China or in Hawaii as a child.
I find
Joy in the simple things in life; a good book, the warm sun beating on my face in the cold, make-up (I know...silly...but I love make-up), grilled chicken and salad, HGTV, Easter candy (bad...I know...especially Peeps), laughing so hard that your body starts convulsing, no noise is coming out, just tears streaming down your face. I find
Joy in pedicures, getting a new hair style.
I find
Joy in having the Gospel in my life. I don't always live it the best that I should, but I try.
Joy in knowing that I have a loving Father in Heaven, and a Savior Jesus Christ, who are always there for me and have blessed me and my family so greatly gives me my greatest
Joy!
I am blessed. I am thankful.
P.S. I played a song at the end of my lesson that my sister Caiti told me about. It's by Hilary Weeks and it's called,
"If I only had today". Caiti heard this song as she was at a Women's Conference. She'll have to tell you the story about how this song made her feel...I wouldn't be able to do it justice. Find it on itunes - it's really good!
