Springs Change

So, spring has arrived, after a couple of false starts. The warmer weather has been nice, and its been fun to have a picnic and play badminton and Frisbee (even thought they have come with some minor injuries). At times I almost felt like I shouldn't be enjoying it so much because I really do like winter, but the thing is change is nice. Especially familiar, predictable change. Why is that? Why are some changes anticipated and others dreaded even though neither is necessarily bad. I have been more or less dreading the changes that come with graduation. Ultimately I think it comes back to familiar versus unfamiliar change. Fog is inherently more frightening than sunny skies for those of us who are diurnal. I suppose this is natural but I don't think it is necessarily.

Things that Matter

Recently I have noticed that the stories that I keep coming back to, whether in song, film, or writing, are stories about things that matter. Freedom, love, courage, faith, teamwork, triumph, sacrifice. For me these include The Highway Man, Lord of the Rings, and The Witch of Blackbird Pond. I definitely enjoy things that are more about superficial things, like the book Dragonsdale by Salamandra Drake I read recently, and some of the more cheesy/lame chick flicks I've watched. But they just aren't things that I'm drawn back to over and over again, that catch my imagination and my interest. I am grateful to my friends and family and sometimes strangers who share with me, the things that they have found in their life that matter.

List of Happiness

My roommate recently showed me her list of things that make her happy. She said she liked making the list because it made her happy to think of all the things that made her happy. I kind of liked the idea and after pondering all week I came up with a list of some of the things that make me happy. It's interesting though because our lists were very different. People are different, so I guess it's not surprising. The list isn't in any particular order.
+ Rain or melting snow slowly dripping down into my hair.
+ Getting a new book, children's or novel not a text book.
+ Picking up a new book to read that looks like it will be good, or is highly recommended by a friend.
+ Picking up an old book that's like an old friend. (ex. Witch of Blackbird Pond, Richard Scarry's Best Storybook Ever).
+ Stomping through snow when I don't have too.
+ A really good conversation where we talk about something intellectually stimulating or emotionally analytical.
+ Walking along a street and smelling fresh laundry.
+ Creating something out of nothing (like my Rustic Project, or my paintings, or even gingerbread houses).
+ Cuddling inside a warm sleeping bag or a warm bed with my nose just a tiny bit cold.
+ The Holy Ghost telling me I am loved or otherwise inspired.
+ Taking down chairs and tables after a church event.
+ A feeling of camaraderie that I get when I am learning, or studying, or serving with others.
+ Rearranging my books and movies on my shelves.

Live in the Moment

At church when we sing hymns I always keep my book open until the very end of the song. My brother and others have taught me that. I think it is a good habit because it makes you stay focused on what you are doing right now. And that is a hard thing to do sometimes, especially when the task at present is boring, or annoying, or the task to come is nerving, or exciting. However when I'm focused in the moment I usually get more out of it. When I was on my LDS mission they called it "sprinting to the finish." Which means to carry on and finish strong. Basically, even through the last couple minutes of class I would rather go eat my lunch, I should stick around and actually listen. The last couple weeks of winter I should go play in the snow. This last semester of college I should enjoy the friendships and the homework (do I have too?).
The problem is.... sometimes I think I am too good at this and never actually plan ahead. Which is not good either. How do you live in the moment while still being prepared for the future?

Here's a rainbow. Enjoy it while it lasts.