Change

I like change. I think the main reasons I like change are because change:

• Brings new experiences, which I like.
• Makes me work at things and figure things out. I like that, to a point.
• Provides a good opportunity to turn over a new leaf...to keep the good things from the past, and leave the bad things behind. To apply what you've learned.
• Helps me learn new things, probably because change...
• Makes me see my life and problems from a new perspective. Things that used see really important can seem less important, and I really appreciate things I took for granted.

However, while change can lead to great experiences and growth, most of the problems that I think we face aren't from our environment. Sometimes they are, but often I think no matter what our environment, if we look at things a certain way or interact with others a certain way, we'll always have certain problems (e.g. if I don't get along with any of my roommates now, changing apartments probably won't fix my problem. Because I'm probably the problem). So, while change can be good, don't force change in your life as an attempt to run from your problems.

Quality Quotes: Distraction

Yesterday on the metro home I was listening to a really great talk by Elder Scott, and he shared a wonderful quote. He said:

Have you noticed that when you have determined to accomplish a very important task, many other good ideas for other things to do seem to come to your mind? If they are allowed to interfere, they will distract you from the more important objective. I have found help by writing down those thoughts as they come, promising myself that as soon as I finish the important task, I will attend to them in priority. That practice helps me stay focused on those matters which are essential.

I believe there are times in your life when, because of your righteousness and your determination to do what is right, Satan will not be able to deflect you into serious transgression. He will switch then to the strategy of placing before you a banquet of good and worthwhile things to do, meant to distract you from those that are the most
important and essential to accomplish in your life.

Fortunately, as you pray for guidance, the Holy Ghost will help you identify those matters that are vital and necessary to accomplish above others. That means that at times you may have to set aside things that would be worthwhile and enjoyable to pursue--for those that are most vitally important for that period of your life.

Wow. That, my friends, is a quality quote. It was given by Elder Scott in 1999 in a talk entitled Having No Regrets. You read or listen to the talk on the BYU Speeches Website.

Perspective: Inclement Weather

So on my first flight on my way to Europe, from SLC to Dallas, things were going just dandy. We'd flown for a while, when the pilot came on the intercom thing. I figured he was going to give the classic going in for a landing / time and weather in Dallas speech, but no! He said that there were heavy storms so we had to redirect to Lubbock. Turns out we didn't pull up to the terminal at the Dallas airport for another eight hours (!), but that's not the focus of our story.

What was most suprising about the whole thing was the annoucement that there was inclement weather. I had a window seat, and it was obviously bright and sunny. When I looked down, there were clouds everywhere, but the clouds were white too! Not at all like storm clouds. And that's when I realized it. It made perfect sense that it was bright and sunny and yet really stormy at the same time, as we were ABOVE the storm. Clouds are ALWAYS white!

So there are two learnings here: 1) If you're in a stormy time of life, things may not seem so stormy when you consider the big picture / eternal perspective. Actually, learning 1b would be that others may be having a really hard time (symbolized by storms, if you didn't get that one), but from our perspective it might not appear that was at all. So I guess you just never know what others are going through unless you really ask them and they open up enough to tell you.

Learning number 2 - the clouds were white because clouds are always white! The only reason they seem dark is because there's lots of them and the ones on top (that I saw from the plane) are stopping the light from the sun (which is always there...I guess we could have a learning 3 about the light always being there, but we shan't) from getting through. So learning 2 is that there are no "darkeness creators," just things that stop the light. So if there is light, darkness can't overwhelm it...the very fact that there is lights means the darkness must go.

I hope this makes sense to someone, because I am obviously pretty excited about it. So excited that my ability to express myself has left me.

Wow.

So it´s been a LONG time since I´ve posted anything...in that week and a half, I've been to London, Paris, and am now living in Madrid. I have some stuff to write about, and even wrote it down so I wouldn't forget, so be expecting something...in the next two days. Hopefully tomorrow. But if not tomorrow, definately by tomorrow's tomorrow. Also, the spellchecker thinks that I meant to type this all in Spanish, so now you all get to see how bad my spelling really is.

Can't think straight...

So finals have been over for a week, and yet I'm up doing school stuff later then I ever have before. And I still need to write 8 more pages for this paper, and it's due in 12 hours. Thanks so much, law review! I wish I had more experience with staying up super late to study so that I'd know if I should fall asleep for a few hours, or just keep going.