The Small Things

Summer term has begun and with each day my first year of teaching draws nearer! Today is a Friday, as I went throughout my day I thought about how it is the small things in life that really make me happy. This morning I woke up early and went to the temple, I am convinced that there is no better way to start your day. The temple workers are always so happy, their smiles and kind words are simple, but they bring a smile to my face and bring me such great joy. Upon leaving the temple the temperature outside was perfect and the morning sky was beautiful. I decided to sit there outside and read my scriptures, another simple thing that brought me great joy. As I was sitting there someone from my institute class walked up, it brought me joy to see the smiling face of someone I knew.

After going to the grocery store, I came home and got ready for my day. I went to class and then stayed on campus to work on some homework for a little while. Coming outside after being cold in an air conditioned building and feeling the warmth of the sun on my skin was amazing. I enjoyed sitting in the shade under a tree and doing some reading. Seeing a mother walk by with her child in a stroller made me smile. Watching butterflies go by also brought a smile to my face. Coming home for the day and walking into a clean apartment and clean room made me happy. Talking with my roommates about the gospel and reading the Ensign also made me happy. The thought of getting up early in the morning and running through the canyon brings another smile to my face. I will get to run along the river and listen to the birds sing.

Some of the other things that bring me joy on a weekly basis are: attending institute where I feel of the spirit and associate with friends, writing letters to missionaries and also receiving them, talking to my family and joking with them, the kind words or compliments of others, riding my bike, taking a nap or getting a good nights sleep, eating a good meal, spending time with friends, opportunities to serve, reading a good book...the list could go on.

When it comes down to it, life is made up of small moments. Appreciating those moments and having joy and gratitude for them has made me very happy. I have stresses just like everyone else, finding joy in the small things and recognizing the Lord's hand in my life helps me to remain happy amidst the stresses. Finding joy in the small "moments that matter most" helps to renew my spirit and strengthen my faith. I love life, and I love that happiness is a choice. Choose to be happy and to find joy in the small things, life is so much better that way! In the scriptures we are taught that "by small and simple things are great things brought to pass" I have been thinking about this a lot lately. I think that this scipture can apply to happiness, by recogizing the small and simple things in life, great happines can be brought to pass.

This video is priceless, it focuses on the small things that matter most - Enjoy!