By Claire Enos
As members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints we have the unique privilege of knowing how things end up. We know that we will be happy, whatever that means. We know we will be satisfied with where we end up. That we will see God and he will love us, no matter what happened in this life. Everything we've been through will be worth it, in the end.
The unknown part, is what happens between now and then. It's being happy now that is the hard part. Being satisfied with our lives and what we are doing with it. At least, that's how I see things, I know I will be happy in the end. The ending doesn't matter so much as how I get there. Will I learn to be happy through every trial? Will I learn my lessons and become a better person? Will I meet my eternal companion? It's the uncertainties that plague me.
A couple months I thought I had it all figured out. I thought I would get married, have a few kids and raise them while my husband worked to provide for us. I know, it's old-fashioned, but it's the way I was raised. Things changed when I was a teenager, but I've always held onto that idea of life as an adult. I've always wanted to be a stay at home mom. I never wanted anything more. I'm still not sure I want anything more than that simple dream. However, I now know myself just a little bit better. I have hopes and dreams beyond a family.
I want to serve the people in Mexico.
I want to learn Spanish and learn to speak it fluently.
I want to learn Portuguese and speak and read it well enough to do some family history research in Portugal.
I want to travel! Travel to foreign countries, travel across the United States to Florida and New York City!
I want to serve a mission for God.
I want to prove to myself that I can be happy in a relationship, and that I won't be trapped in marriage.
I want to get a Bachelor's degree in English (Creative Writing), and a Master's degree in Cultural and Religious Anthropology.
I want to still be friends with my college and high school friends when we're all old and gray.
I want to fall in love, and to stay in love, for the rest of Eternity!
These are the hopes and dreams of my 22 year old self. I'm sure they'll change in the coming years, as I grow in wisdom and age, as I cross things off my list, as I add more to my list. Life is about living! Life is about learning! Life is about everything that we learn, everything that happens. Life is the good and the bad! Always work toward a life you will be proud of. Don't let the unimportant things get in the way. Love it with all your heart, and it will love you back.
<3Claire
Great post, Claire! Thank you for sharing! hugs~
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