Its been a long day, the middle of the first week back at school and I feel tired! I committed to helping the missionaries today and in the middle of driving back and forth across town I wondered at the wisdom of taking out so much time for chauffeuring, lessons and dinner, when comps are looming over my head, and my to-do list already seems longer than I can manage. (Granted everything feels dramatic on Wednesdays when the weekend is still 3 days away) but I couldn't help but think, why again did I say yes to this? But on my drive home tonight I remembered.
Shelly, my new friend from China is taking the lessons with the missionaries and came to institute with me. As we talked about my feelings about institute and the church on the way home she said. "I read the things Sister Nien gave me to read and I know that there is truth to them. I felt touched in my heart."
I was quiet. I was touched. Her faith was so simple in the truth of words she didn't completely understand, and it put my feelings of being overwhelmed with normally daily things back into perspective. I remembered why I take time, to remember what is I believe and know and what is important. Shelly gave me a gift tonight, when I was concentrating on the "great" sacrifice and service I provided, her simple faith gave me the boost to remind of what I know. That the Lord loves me, His words are true and everything will be alright.
How could I not feel grateful for my life tonight?
