Rejoicing Together

In an effort to be a more informed citizen, I decided to take the time to watch the Republican debate from August 6th of this year. Soon after, I went with some friends to a nearby restaurant. I mentioned that I had been watching that debate and people started to talk about favorite candidates, which soon became a discussion on political issues. I still feel that I know very little about the issues of politics, both domestic and foreign (especially foreign), so I admittedly didn't say very much. But, I tried to be involved when I felt I could contribute to the discussion. Some of us talked for a good 45 minutes or more on these sorts of things. There was appropriate passion for personal convictions, as well as respect for the convictions of others. We listened to each other, which I value and appreciate highly.

After the fact, a verse of scripture came to mind. It was revealed to Joseph Smith and can be found in Doctrine & Covenants 50:22. This section talks about teaching and learning by the Holy Spirit, and I think it has applications for all honest and respectful dialogue no matter the subject. My favorite part of the verse is this phrase: "both are edified and rejoice together." That's the end result, if the conditions are right. Verse 24 talks about light and truth, which is what I hope to find in everything I learn and do. I noticed that the scriptures don't say anything about people being right. It emphasizes learning, self-improvement, and appreciation for others. I am grateful today for a fascinating discussion that edified me, and I rejoice in that.

Welcomed by Temporary Strangers

I attended church this morning in this big city, and I felt very welcome. The way the church meetings were conducted was familiar, and it felt quite like previous congregations I've been a part of, except that I don't know many people yet. I am grateful that I was able to feel welcome and invited in the local church congregation. That happened because people reached out and because I reached in.

Flexibility

I'm grateful for the virtue of being flexible, and by that I mean being willing and able to change plans if things don't work out. I walked out this afternoon with a fellow student with an objective: find the book fair at such-and-such building. We walked down there, and the building was closed. Plus, the book fair wasn't there at all. We decided to try another address, but we ran into a market instead. We decided it was starting to get late so we walked back to the residence building, but not before eating dinner. I had an idea to eat at a certain Italian place nearby, but the menu showed rather high prices. We changed our plan again and went to a good Thai place, with more feasible prices for college students.

It all turned out to be a grand adventure. Of course, I'm grateful that everything worked out and that everyone is safe, but I'm also grateful that we were all willing and able to change our plans and have fun even when things didn't work out.

The Subways

Today, I am grateful for subways because I saw today what happens when they don't work. It really wasn't a huge problem. There was a delay at a station for about ten to fifteen minutes. It seemed rather inconvenient, especially as more and more people filled the platform, waiting for the subway to be fixed and to arrive. It did eventually come, and everything continued as normal. The time we spent waiting was frustrating, but once everything started working I soon forgot my frustration. I was just glad to use the system! I am grateful for subway systems when they do work, which really is most of the time, and that is remarkable.

Walked and Didn't Faint.

There is a phrase in the scriptures that I have come to appreciate. It appears in Isaiah 40:31. It says, "they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint." I did a lot of walking today. A lot. I walked with a few friends to some local tourist sites for several hours. This morning I walked to and from my internship place so I wouldn't get lost when I start to work there. I walked several blocks with a large group of students as we looked for a place for dinner tonight. The walk to and from the tourist sites was the longest and most challenging, though. I was so exhausted, and yet I still did more walking after that. I am grateful that, today, I walked and didn't faint. I am grateful to be able to take myself where I need to go.

Two Encouragements

This is a very different experience for me, living in a big city. To be honest, I'm rather nervous about it now that I'm here. However, there are a couple of things that encourage and reassure me. First is the fact that all my transportation today, whether on a plane or a bus or on foot, has worked out rather smoothly. I was able, with some help sometimes, to get to where I needed and wanted to go. Many more mishaps and mistakes could have happened, but they didn't. Second, when I called home, I was encouraged by the thought that this is my first day and that it will just take a little time for me to get used to my surroundings. I am grateful that everything turned out well on my first day living and working in a big city.

Local Ice-Cream Place

My parents and I had an enjoyable walk to a local ice-cream place that we've been to many times before. I have many memories of going there with friends and family after a high school concert or after a day of enjoying the summer weather. Every summer and early fall, we went to get ice-cream there a few times while I was at home. I am grateful for this local ice-cream store because of the memories I have that are associated with the place, as well as the sidewalks that lead to it.