It has been heart wrenching, inspirationally exciting, and fills me with gratitude for the tender mercies extended to everyone on a daily basis by the Lord himself. Thank Him for His mercy and long-suffering since the beginning of time.
Heart wrenching: Living on campus was an adventure I was willing to embark on merely because I knew it was the right thing. I didn't initially want to be living at 611 Officers' Circle. I felt somewhat forced through inspiration to go and live here. I gave up nannying by 4 brothers from another mother, my wonderful lil labradoodle, and the comfort of a home in Holladay with a garden plot only this dirt surfing hippie gal has dreamed of my whole life! Not pleased, but trusted in the Lord. Last year the residents in 611 became my very best friends, we served in callings, on student boards, cooked, celebrated holidays, and even still see each other now and again by planning to do so.
This school year was a bit of a different story. I was diagnosed with TMJD last August and went through various treatments, seeing countless specialists, and a triage of medications-drugs and I don't do well together, quite the toxic relationship. However, I had the most amazing people in my life to assist me on a daily basis as I was either unable to drive, stay awake, or even stand up against those who opposed all I supported on campus as President of a student group and the magnification of a calling. The councilors like Kylie, helped me survive by taking over when I would pass out from the meds, Jessica was always there to step up to the plate in planning activities and letting me freely kidnap her (best story EVER!), and Lacey was the shining STAR through it all! My most meek and kind friend. She was so much more than a secretary, but a confident, advisor, and compass in so many aspects of my life. Idaho raises so much more than humongous potatoes! More like the best people ever! I stayed in the house to fulfill roles I would have otherwise struggled in.
In sacrificing for what I'd been called I lost three souls of whom I thought to have been my best friends-the ones you can't imagine heaven without? I had grace extended by many, by moving items, storing items, and providing me with weekend get-a-ways from the stress of my disorder and the various situations I'd been placed into grow. It was a hard year and when looking back I would go through it all over again to gain the experience, knowledge, and wisdom I have been granted. There is so much politics involved in University life and it amazes me how low stress it is to live off campus and be given so much freedom to do as we please. Yet there was a sense of community provided through the atmosphere of locality, many got their mail, meals, and munchies from the same place-creating quite the interchange between neighbors. It was a beautiful place to call my home and like the other missions of my life deserves the title-hood of Home.
Inspirationally Exciting: Teaching has always been a pastime I have enjoyed doing! It runs in my veins, not just a talent from the life before this present existence, but my Daddy wanted to be a teacher instead of an engineer, his siblings are teachers, principles, and super-intendants. My mom's family has the same teaching dynamics going on too. In high school I participated in work-study my sophomore and junior years. I worked in a 3rd grade classroom with Mrs. Eliason, who had actually done her student teaching in my 1st grade classroom at Sunset Elementary while I attended there.
Starting as a freshman in college, I tutored biology and chemistry at Utah State. I love seeing other people get what they are wanting to learn or study. This love was enhanced while serving an LDS mission in Spokane Washington for 19 months. While in the mission field, I recognized and value the capacity teaching has to change and even save lives. Inspired teaching facilitates not only the learner an invaluable experience, but the teacher likewise in the same fulfillment. I came home and thought I would be a nurse, but it wasn't for me, that is a profession for my mother. I love teaching! I love watching others receive light! It is a psychological process wherein if one takes the time to observe the behaviors and physical manifestations of the learning process it is quite obvious how individuals learn. Teaching is an individual matter.
Once home from the mission, I finished up my bachelors and undergrad certificates at the University of Utah. In so doing, I noted the qualities and attributes of acceptable teacher and professors versus the ones with phenomenal talent and ability in teaching. There are many differences, the first and foremost being-HEART. If your heart is in the subject you are teaching the energy provided through your passion becomes contagious and spreads to all involved-yielding learning as a rewarding. It was back around this time I recall enrolling in a teaching seminary institute class. It ended up not fitting into my schedule, but I knew someday I would come to perfect my teaching skills. That Someday began two years ago and since that time I've been working towards become a seminary teacher.
God works with our righteous desires-no matter how much we give up on ourselves, our hopes, and our dreams, He never will. He's planted in our hearts these amazing gifts and talents-we just need to do our part in refining or talents. Even after an insanely busy schedule last semester I was able to teach for seminary evaluation...low and behold...it was good! It was definitely a crunch to fit into my schedule and I believe I'm still a bit sleep deprived from early morning rising, but it's allowed me to realize the sacrifices so many have made that youth can be fed the truth, straight-undiluted. I have been training this week-it has lifted me and I recognize, whether it's in my home, in a seminary, or even an institute. I love teaching about the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ. There is nothing bigger and better than that!
Attitude of Gratitude: We may know that the tender mercies of the Lord are continually upon us as we live worthy and keep His commandments. I am grateful for a warm home I have to live in, to have a sister so close and rejoice in the time we spend together as a family (Sunday dinners, gardening, spending time as Aunti Sari, family prayer etc.), and lately it's been a man that encourages me to think, love, laugh, and to take part in all of the most marvelous adventures life has to offer.
This man's name is Blue. Those eyes are the like the ocean and no matter how great the swimmer or sailer, it is easy to get lost in them...those eyes. His smile lights up not only a room, but my life, there is something deep within my soul that jumps when he smiles/shines and he's always smiling and filling the air with his laughter-it's contagious. There's so much to smile about in this life-I love living and am so glad to be here on earth! Laughter is life's medicine and I think I could live in complete bliss with him as the rhythm to skip to as life's beat. I don't know if I've ever paid attention to such wittiness in an individual-he takes the cake. Blue just simply deserves all the attention I can give him. He's honest, sincere, and as real as they come. He's open with life experiences and I thank the good Lord he's been through what he has so I too can learn and grow from listening to what he sees fit to share. Blue makes me contemplate and re-evaluate...maybe there is something missing from my life? I can't go back to imagining life without him in it, it's as if he's just always been there! To take him out of my life's equation may be more painful than I can stand to bear. He is like the Peanut Butter; thus making me the Jelly. Oh Blue...I truly love you!
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