I started off by complaining about the school musical. I don't have it in me to do it again. I'll just give you two words. Type casting.
Now, this was the good part. Conference weekend just came to a close, and I was talking about my favorite talk by Elder Holland. He told us the parable of the workers in the vineyard and brought up three different things he learned from the story. The first one was the one that applied to me. It talked about not being envious and being happy for others and the things they get instead of wishing they were yours. I truly am happy for my friends when they get things, but I can never help but be jealous of them and wish I could be in their shoes. Here's the part where I started listing things I am grateful for... Let's see if I can recreate the magic... Firstly, I have the absolute best friends in the world! I could not ask for better ones. They are such great examples to me and that's just what I want my friends to be. Second, my talents. I'm so grateful that I have the ability to do the thing that I love the most, which is performing. I love having the chance to be able to touch people's lives in ways that nothing else can. I couldn't imagine not being able to do the things that I can on stage, and I know I'm so blessed by my Father in heaven. Next, my family. My parents are so supportive of me and the things that I want to do, and they do so much for me everyday. The thing I love most about them is knowing that I have their trust. I wouldn't trade their trust for any single thing in this world. Ever. I love the fact that my parents can sit in peace while I'm off doing something because they know that I will always come home in one piece and be able to share with them everything that I've done that day. The other equally important part of my family is that of my siblings. Now, this is the part where I slowed down my typing because I couldn't see anything with tears in my eyes. Yup, it was pretty good. ;) My siblings are such a blessing in my life. Sometimes, I want to strangle them, but I love them more than almost anything in this world. I'm so happy that I get to be their big sister, and, hopefully, influence their lives for the better. I have complete faith that they will grow up to be absolutely brilliant people whom I will be proud to call my brothers and sisters. I already am. I hope that they know that even when I'm mad at them, I love them so much, and would not ask for different ones if I ever got the opportunity to. They bless my life everyday and I'm so grateful for them. *Wipes tears away* Alrighty, last thing. I'll bet you can't guess what it is. That's right, I'm so blessed to have the gospel in my life. Without the knowledge I have, I don't know what kind of person I'd be, or how I'd be able to get through everyday life. I need to know that families can be together forever, and that there is life after death. I especially am glad to know that I have never, am never, and will never be alone. Heavenly Father has always been there for me and will be here for me forever. I'm so grateful for Him and the things He's given me. I couldn't ask for a better life.
Well, it wasn't the masterpiece from before, but I'm definitely proud enough of this to post it. I hope that everyone who reads it is touched in some way and knows that everything I've said is completely 100% true. I had better get to bed, considering I have seminary at 6 tomorrow... Thanks so much for taking the time to read my post! Hope your day is as great as mine has been. :)
-Emily
