Not the Best Day, But It's Part of the Best Life

I had six and a half hours of church meetings today. Six and a half hours! Choir practice, regular church meetings, and a leadership training meeting. At one point, I realized I was tired and hungry, and I wondered why I was doing all of this. Was it my sense of duty? Was it because I just like to help people? Was it because I love God and want to do my best in the church assignments He has given to me this semester? I think it's a combination of all the above.

At some point today, I wondered whether my volunteer work in my church was making me miserable, especially during my last meeting when it was all I could do to stay there instead of heading off to make myself a sandwich and take a nap that instant. As I thought about it some more, I realized that my volunteer work was actually making me happier and more satisfied with my life. Sure, I have miserable moments like I did today, but I am happier and more fulfilled in the long run. Why? Because I believe I am accomplishing much good, just a little at a time. I am not entirely grateful for the immediate consequences of my church service. But, I am so very grateful for the long-term blessings and improvement I see in my life and in the lives of others, because I choose to be anxiously engaged in what I believe to be a great cause.

A True Winter Wonderland

When the snow gets heavy and sticks to the ground. When piles of white accumulate on tree branches so much that you're surprised the branches still hold up. When you stop looking at the wet, brown slush at your feet and look up around you; then you know you are in a true winter wonderland. I am grateful that today's winter weather produced such gorgeous scenery to enjoy and walk through.

St. Francis of Assisi

This has been a wonderful day for me. It was a long day of school, work, and other activities and commitments. But, as the day came to a close, I felt incredibly happy and grateful. The words of a hymn came to mind, and I sang them (below is only the first of four verses):

"All creatures of our God and King,
Lift up your voice and with us sing,
Alleluia! Alleluia!
Thou burning sun with golden beam,
Thou silver moon with softer gleam,
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
Oh, praise him! Alleluia!"

The words come from St. Francis of Assisi (as translated by William H. Draper). I have loved this hymn for years, and it served me well tonight as a fitting expression of my feelings at today's end. Among other great things today, I am grateful for St. Francis of Assisi's poetic words in a beloved hymn.

Songwriting Class

I'm taking a songwriting class, just for fun. I like to write music (often inspired by classical or film music) and songwriting is a newer genre for me. Today, each student presented their first song of the semester to the class. I enjoyed presenting my song, and I enjoyed listening to the other songs just as much. It is amazing how much creativity we have around us all the time. The humor, energy, and emotions expressed by my classmates in their songs was touching. I am grateful to be among a bunch of creative artists in a beginning songwriting class.

Friend In Need, Novel In Need

One of my classes is focused on group projects. My group was assigned to work on editing and designing a fiction book. The problem we had for the past week was that we didn't have a manuscript to edit. Thankfully, the friend of a group member had written a draft of a fantasy novel, which would work perfectly for our project. Everything went into place, and now our group project can continue unhindered!

I am grateful for a classmate's friend who wrote a fantasy novel. This is just a great situation all around where we get to edit and design and the author gets help on improving their novel.

Like A Printer of the Old Days

I was at an interactive museum this evening, and while I was there I was able to help operate an old printing press, with all the movable type and ink and everything. It was a great experience because I felt like I had gone back a couple centuries and had become a printer's apprentice. I really enjoy experiences like that. The people at the museum are very passionate about their jobs, and I was so happy to see that as well.

I am grateful for this time-traveling experience. I am grateful that I was able to operate an old-fashioned printing press.

A Short Film...Quasi-Improvised

People may say that they aren't good actors. People may say they aren't creative types. There's creativity in all of us, and I noticed that when I joined a group of friends to make a hilarious short movie! We had a very rough plot, with a few characters. In a matter of two hours, a lot of improvising let to some awesome, hilarious moments! I can't wait to see the final, edited version.

I am grateful for improvised, spontaneous hilarity put to good use to create a short film with friends.