Me Thinks

A few thoughts:

There is not a lot of color in the landscape this time of year. I am missing the color of flowers and the green grass, but there have been vibrant colors in the sky, both in the mornings and in the evenings. There is something so breathtaking and beautiful about colors in the sky.

We attended a funeral today for Joseph Young and it was an outstanding and uplifting service.  Matthew and I both feel inspired to be better because of our association with Joe. He had a set of core values that his life was fashioned around, and he stayed true to those values. We are blessed to have known him.

A friend told me this week: "True happiness is when your children grow up to be good people." I've thought about that and I think I would add...

"True happiness is when you see one of your children reach out to a sibling, or to someone outside of their family." 

"True happiness is coming to know God and Jesus Christ."

"True happiness is recognizing the effects of the Atonement, and that we have hope through Jesus Christ."

"True happiness is attending the temple and feeling that your spiritual armor has been strengthened, and your vision is clearer."

"True happiness is having a friend text you every week. True happiness is knowing someone cares."

"True happiness is a heater that works in frigid weather."

"True happiness is warm cinnamon milk."

"True happiness is forgiving."

"True happiness is reaching out and lifting a burden."

I liked discussing a book with friends this week. The qualities displayed by the characters in the book are admirable, and I am going to work on being more courageous and resilient.

I spoke with a friend this week who has battled cancer this past year and has undergone two surgeries which have left her weakened and fragile, and yet she expressed faith, optimism and gratitude. I am learning from her about enduring well.

Will I ever get through the boxes filled with family history items? I have been working on going through boxes from my parent's home for months! This is me talking to myself and reassuring myself--"Yes you will get through them. It will take a lot more time, but you will eventually deal with all of the pictures, letters, and mementos. Enjoy the journey Janine.  Think of all that you are learning and feeling as you read, sort, write, and scan. Something is changing in you and your heart is turning towards your ancestors.  Cherish this time of life that you have to spend doing this. Keep going."