I need a break...

Have you ever had one of those days where you feel like you just need to get away? I did today. I need to get out of here, out of Utah Valley. I need a break.

Today, I felt like a kid...

We made a movie as FFA officers today, and as part of shooting it, we went to a park, and I got to swing. I have not swung in a long time... and it felt good.

Just a grain of sand...

"Sometimes, those mountains you've been climbing, are just a grain of sand."

A song, not sure who it is by, but it's been going through my head lately.

You see, I came home from school January 7, 2011, to get ready for the Klondike, one of my favorite camp outs. I was in my room, packing, when there was a knock at the door. It was my Aunt, and my Grandma. They proceeded to come into my room, and notify me that the Salt Lake City police had found my mother, Leslie Jones, 48 years old, dead.

It hit me hard. Like a grand piano falling off of a tall building. She was dead. My last parent was dead.

I asked God, "why did this have to happen so early in my life? Why do I have to deal with the crap that I am having to deal with?" My answer came later that night, while at the Klondike.

As I was looking up at the stars, I felt a calming feeling come over me. I knew that it was going to be okay. God has a plan for me, and yes, it is rockier than others. I have a path that I am required to take, and this is the path that is for me.

I told God that I would accept this plan before I came to earth. I know that God will never give me more than I can handle. There are times I wonder what life would be like if my Mom and Dad were still alive and together, but I don't let that bug me. I know it is not so, but it gives me a drive to be the best that I can be.

My friend, Brian Shelley, left on a mission in December. It took a week or so to adjust to the change. He is like a brother to me, and so I decided to write him weekly. This is one of the best things I have ever done. Every letter I get from him assures me that life is good. The Church is true. God lives. I know that if I am ever having a bad day, I can go to my room, and pull out his letters and read them. I cherish them. He is living so close to God right now. It's amazing to see what he has done.

It's little things like letters from friends that make life worth it. The smile of a little kid while I am at work, the complement from a customer. The encouragement. It keeps me going. I don't know what I would do without it. If you are reading this, know, that one complement to a person could make their life seem worth it. If you are thinking of giving a complement, or helping someone with their groceries, do it! You never know how you might change their life.

God lives. I testify of it. I know, that if it weren't for Christ's atoning sacrifice, I would not have made it through this last month. These mountains I've been climbing, are just a grain of sand with the help of the Savoir. I know that I will have to rely on him more and more. And you know what? I'm okay with that.