Forget Yourself and Go to Work

Ah...President Gordon B. Hinckley. The LDS prophet of my college and young single adult years. (I graduated from young single adults when I turned 31--he, he). I can still remember when he first shared these words that his father wrote to him while he was serving a mission in England and thought that he wasn't doing any good and should therfore go home. And then a song was written about him being constant as the North Star because he talked about that. I loved learning that song along with the primary children (I was pianist). Anyway, I was kind of dreading this day. I worked the morning shift today and I've struggled with my motivation the past few months, then I had my visiting teachers coming (teacher as it turned out), and then after that I went visiting teaching (by myself as it turned out). Not really a stressful day by any means. I've certainly had tougher days to get through physically and mentally, but I just didn't look forward to it. I just felt nagged. But, you know, I forgot myself and went to work this morning. There was lots to do and I got lost in doing it and was cheerful and helpful and by the time it was time to go home, I realized that I had hardly even thought about anything else. That's how it's supposed to be. Get lost in what you're doing and love it! I know sometimes it requires more of a push to get going (and even to keep going), but it's doable. Of course, that prayer this morning got me off on the right track, I'm sure.

I am grateful for the words of truth by a Prophet of God that stay with me and remind me of how I can be.

Renewal

I slept in my bed last night for the first time in I don't know how long. I've been sleeping on a couch in the next room because there is a fireplace and I wanted to keep warm. But, my body needs my bed. This week I have spent enough time on the computer and watching TV that my eyes became very worn out. When that happens I also get very dizzy. Add to that not getting enough sleep and it's a recipe for disaster--which it was. Luckily, I did not work a morning shift today, so I cleared off my bed (another reason I haven't slept in it), pulled up the covers and had a nice long sleep which allowed me to get rid of my headache and help my dizziness dissipate. I have pretty good health. I've had issues here and there, but still it's pretty good. If I say I am grateful for that, then I have to really be grateful by taking care of it. So, I'm renewing my goals again today, but I am going to try and be satisfied with small steps because I simply cannot do big steps right now.

I am grateful for a good night's rest, a head without a headache, and eyes that see straight. I am also grateful that I still have a chance to help my body feel better.

Unexpected Surprise

I used to teach school. Private school. 1st Grade. It's been over two years now since I quit teaching. Well, teaching academically, that is. I still teach Primary each week. The further away I get from it, the harder it is to remember all that went with it--the feelings, hard work, disappointments, fears, laughs. Today, I met a parent and grandparent of two students that I taught. I was thrilled to see both of them. I was thrilled to hear an update of each of the students. I was tickled to hear that I was (maybe still am?) influencial. Ah, it was just good to have such good feelings come from thinking of the good times I had. It's nice to remember. It's especially nice to realize that despite the heartache I felt when I quit, I don't feel that heartache now.

I am grateful when others share their appreciation for what I have done.