Expect the Unexpected

I'm sorry if this is somewhat repetitive of my "Spare Change" blog. I feel that it is somewhat different however.

It's crazy to me how one afternoon can cause you to completely have rethinking your entire future. How one simple thought of something different and new, brings with it other thoughts, and then another, until there is this whole new path laid ahead of you. This can be a bit daunting, and you haven't even actually chosen this course or taken any actions in that direction, and already thinking of all that it could mean, or could involve.
While on the way to lunch I was explaining to my mom what my new schedule at work will be, and what this will most likely entail. Then after I was making all sorts of mental plans about quitting, possibly doing some sort of school if necessary, and going into a completely different field and environment.
Will this new opportunity work out? Would it be worth giving up my dependable job of almost 7 years, with awesome benefits? I do want to be doing something different, is this it though? Will I end up feeling like this is my career for life whether I enjoy it or not? Will I be able to live on and take care of all of my bills with a decreased salary? Will this open new doors of positive change, working part time and pioneering again? Will this anchor me to live at home for eternity? Is that really a bad thing?Is this what I really want to do, or do I feel some sort of obligation? Will it even all work out? Is this what I need?

I tell you change is not easy. Once things start changing it requires only more change to adjust, then more. I know that it is wise to "consider the cost", and weigh all the positive and negative aspects of any major decision beforehand. To be prepared for the worst but hope for the best. To not be afraid of change and the unknown, many of times that is what we need and don't know it. When does proper analysis of a situation, and hypothetical situations of possible outcomes by choosing one way or the other, turn into over thinking or analyzing, into worthless worrying, and unneeded stress?

Taken For Granted

I have always considered myself to be a stop and smell the roses kind of person, but recently I am not so sure.
When going out of town, or camping, I always think of how fortunate all those that actually live in these beautiful places are. Whether it be in a bustling city with millions of gorgeous twinkling lights, and so many different opportunities available to go and do or see, almost anything imaginable. Or being surrounded by Nature and all of its beauty, not fully being able to soak it in all at once. The trees, the plants, the wildlife and their sounds, the ocean and it's melody, the stars themselves are so phenomenal alone. I wonder if the people that are around these things all the time even really appreciate just how incredible everything around them truly is? Have they grown accustomed to it all as just a part of their daily life, something ordinary?
While I think this is sad, and in some ways almost cheats Jehovah. That his creation doesn't always fully appreciate all the wonders that lay around them. At the same timehowever, there is much around me that is so beautiful here at my very home. Our backyard is so pretty and inviting. Full of so many different inviting scenarios, yet I hardly take advantage of any. I often think that I should and how much I will enjoy it. Sitting by the pool, or in the shade from one of our magnificent oak trees, even one to swing from, listening and watching the 20 different types of birds that are always playing in the neighborhood, listen to the waterfall, watch the sunrise behind the trees in the distance and sunset upon the hill to the right, at night there are even quite a few stars that can be seen, and the always glorious shining moon to gaze upon, Whether it be lack or time or simply motivation, I end up thinking or saying I should enjoy all of this more often than I actually do.

Also a bit ago on my way home, I was severely delayed by a slow moving truck which then decided to stop for unknown reasons. Had I been in a hurry I probably would have be upset and start going over various insults in my mind, but I was calm and was willing to let this driver figure out what he needed to do. Had it not been for this though I would never have looked to my right and saw this incredible greenery decorating a small creek. This made me stop and think for I can't even imagine how many times I have driven by this and never once noticed. For at least 5 years to and from work, meetings, service, and almost every errand thinkable, I have driven by this and never even acknowledged it. Now as long as I am not in a hurry, I slow down at this point in the road on the way home, along with a few others, to take a little extra time to appreciate these, as they deserve to be.
How many simple things are like this though that continue to be ignored? Although slowly discovering them makes me not so envious of those that do get to live in the mountains, or by the ocean or many other spectacular destinations, because right in front of me, us, everyday there is such miraculous beauty from our Creator, there waiting simply for our enjoyment.


This also causes me to think of, if any, other things in my life I take for granted but just going through life day by day. I know that at times I can do this with people, especially those close to me. When you see people everyday, like your family, at times it's easy for some of their various traits to irritate you, or get on your nerves a bit. But once you no longer have to "put up" with this person and all their little quirks, seems like only that's when you realize how many things you did really enjoy about that person being such an active part of your life. Even my parents, whom I still live with I feel I don't spend enough quality time with, or even fully appreciate all the time. They're so loving, encouraging and supportive. I know that I'm truly fortunate to have them as my parents. Do I sometimes so this with others as well? Other members of my family, my friends?

I know all of this is very idealistic. I know that if were to try and show more appreciation to those that are close to me, and to try and savor all of my surroundings, and live in each special moment, that if all of this is even possible it would be quite exhausting after awhile, and who knows perhaps then they would become ordinary then once they part of my routine. I'm hoping that maybe by acknowledging that it is so easy to let all that is around us everyday (whether it be scenery or those we love) become just part of our everyday life, and nothing that's really all that special anymore, that a more concerted effort could be made to try and enjoy all this to the fullest of our capabilities. Then take time out now and then to really evaluate things in your life that you could possibly be neglecting and open your eyes to all sorts of opportunities to enjoy simple moments of greatness as they present themselves.

End In Sight

So as many of you are aware, my mom was diagnosed with Lymphoma Cancer in December and has been undergoing Chemotherapy treatments for over 3 months now.

All together I am so amazingly proud how strong and positive she's been throughout all of this. She's just been focused on the future and a trip to Utah to serve where the need is greater during the summer.

It's almost surprising how many people something like this actually affects. Some days I think Dad, I, my grandparents, even Danny are having a harder time coping with it than she does. It is incredibly difficult to watch someone you love so much in so much pain and discomfort though, knowing that there's nothing you can do to make them feel better. Our congregation has just been awesome as well. Helping out with meals or errands when needed. There for moral support and encouragement.

Now I'm happy to report that her last body scan was phenomeonal. She only has one more treatment of Chemo left and then her Doctor is confidant that she will be done. We can all not be any more excited. I keep saying that soon we will have a hard to remember that these few months ever happened.

There is a good chance too that some of her previous health problems that she had been coping with were related to the cancer and she will no longer have either. We'll just have to wait and see about that, but in the mean time we're celebrating this victory!