"Life is to be Enjoyed, Not Just Endured"

Right now, school is CRAZY. Honestly, adjusting to studying after coming home from my mission has been really difficult for me. I find myself wishing that I was studying the scriptures for 3 hours rather than my Sociology textbook. 

Alas, here I am, back in Provo, Utah. And I'm SO grateful to be back! I love the mountains, the special Spirit on-campus, being reunited with friends, working again, and being able to serve in the temple.

I've learned an important lesson recently about finding joy in the journey. If we spend our whole present worrying and planning the future, then when we look back, what will we think of our past? What if everything we worry, stress, and focus on planning for doesn't come to fruition, then what are we left with?

I want to leave behind a life that testifies of Christ. And that means living in the NOW. True success is in the mastery of correct principles, repeated day in and day out. This is how we become like Christ, but taking each moment to become more like Him.

My challenge to myself and to all is to find joy in the NOW. Yes, plan for the future. But FOCUS on the present.

A "Today" Life

During the transient period known as young adulthood, it’s easy to fall into the trap of saying, “One day, when [insert far-off, life-changing event] happens, I will be able to [insert life goal or aspiration].” We can miss many opportunities by trying to nail down plans for an unknown future instead of enjoying the possibilities of the present. But just as the Lord told the Saints who were arriving in Ohio and were unsure of how long they would be there, we need to “act upon this land as for years, and this shall turn unto [us] for [our] good” (D&C 51:17).

We ought to take advantage of opportunities that come our way to travel, serve a mission, accept a calling, increase our education, learn a new skill, or develop a talent, because the Lord requires us to do all in our power now to cultivate an abundant life. Elder Wirthlin declared, “No matter our age, circumstances, or abilities, each one of us can create something remarkable of his life.”⁴ I have been able to create something remarkable of my own life through opportunities to travel around the world, learn a new language, serve the Lord and others, and explore different cultures. I have striven to follow the advice of Sister Kristen M. Oaks, wife of Elder Dallin H. Oaks, when she counseled young single adults to “depend on the Lord, enjoy every opportunity, and delight in the life you have.”⁵

^{--Life More Abundant, Ensign 2014 of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, https://www.lds.org/ensign/2014/12/young-adults/life-more-abundant?lang=eng}