An Abundant Life

I find myself up at 12:30 at night writing this note, knowing that tomorrow I will be in class (hopefully wide awake) at 7:45 in the morning talking about group counseling theories and methods. I have so much to be grateful for.

As a college student it is so easy to get caught up in the combined lives of others, and see the many “things” that they seem to have, and you lack. I have noticed this in my life, as I have watched those from fortunate circumstances, and less fortunate circumstances all combine into one gathering place to learn and grow. I find myself almost without fail, muttering about the unfairness of someone else's intellect, whit, charm or copious amounts of time. Usually, if I take the time to really study it out, I find that not all is as I think it seems.

My friend with “too much time” may not take his or her studies seriously, or works extremely hard while not enrolled in school, or is just very gifted in school work. Whatever the reason, they too have challenges that are manifest in different ways than my own.

To those who have charisma charm and great social aptitudes, I also look up to. I marvel at their ability to greet and make all people in the room welcome and comfortable, and find at times myself groveling and coveting (unnecessarily) their gift(s).
It is at these times that I wish I had the same gifts, and while I get lost in wishing; I find myself in thanking; that I have a great group of friends that do very much to support and assist me.

Gratitude always brings me back to my senses, and puts a clear focus on my true blessings.

I really have an abundant life. I may grumble about the diet that I subsist on as a student, or the papers, chapters, or concepts that try my patience and mind; yet I do not feel that I have too much to complain about. Let me list a few practical reasons why life is so abundant:

I Usually Get Adequate Sleep Every Night.
If I do not, it is usually due to poor planning on my part, or the fact that I have such great company to keep me up.

My Employer is Amazing.
I remember one day working in an afternoon that was a bit slow and monotonous, and I found myself fascinated with an ant infestation that we were experiencing. I laid on the ground and had some of my coworkers sprinkle food crumbs all over my coveralls. Soon I had a swarm of ants crawling all over my stomach, eating the food that was on me. About thirty minutes into the event, I heard the door of our shop open and close, and I was soon facing my boss in a vertical position- staring up into his eyes. What do you think he did? What would your employer do?
Well my boss laughed, or rather shook his head and told me he did not know what to do with me and my cohorts (which are ten and twenty plus years older than me). I know he was laughing inside, because he was trying to hide his smile.
My Family Loves Me.
While in grade school I heard from time to time exclamations of frustration at mistakes made in the preparation of my peers' lunches. I once heard the statement: “I hate my mom”- all over an inconsequential item of food in a brown lunch sack.
I struggled to hear those words spoken, for they hurt me down to the core. I knew the love that my mother possessed for me, and I wondered how something so small as the “wrong sandwich,” could spur such hateful and spiteful words in the part of my classmates.

My Parents Honor the Divine Institution of Marriage.
I have been blessed to have constants in my life- two parents that have been faithful the each other, and the divine institution of marriage and family. My siblings have all grown up with proper instruction concerning love, service, and sacrifice. My father is the provider to my four younger sisters, all of which have vibrant and living personalities. Seven children would not be easy to take care of, but my parents do it in a way that shows they care for each and everyone of us- independently, and collectively.

My Professors Pray for Me, and Students Pray in Class.
I study in an institution where secular and spiritual truths are taught in their proper place- side by side, intertwined and connected into one great whole. The truth being that there is a God in heaven who in intelligent, all wise, and all knowing.
This man is our Father, and as such we have a divine destiny and purpose. We recognize the means of obtaining truth as being many and varied; including revelation as well as the concepts underlined and taught in what we know as the “scientific method.” In our theology, we see both forms of work being necessary to gain true understanding about the heavens, earth, and nature of man- in all environments and settings.

I Have a Health Code.
I have a code of living that teaches me how to care for my body and spirit. This is not based off the initial empirical study of man, but rather through the words of Prophets- men called to represent God; Himself. It goes with out saying that such a code has been supported time and time again by the studies of man, but I repeat it did not originate through such findings. One can only safely deduct that such guidance came from God- the Father of us all.

I Live a Strict Moral Law.
By not partaking of any damaging substances to my body, I have been protected from the fatal harm that can follow such abuse. By reserving sexual expression for my future wife, to whom I will be wedded to, I have been protected from the spiritual and emotional harm that follows those who partake prematurely of God's given procreative power.

I Can Change
I sleep well at night knowing that generally, I am in good standing with my Maker. And when I cannot I have a refuge of hope, a crisis hot-line open to me at all times. If I could give this service a motto it would be something like this: “Creator of the universe- no appointments needed.” When I do need relief of conscious, I have a listening ear that patiently hears about the unkind words that I spoke to others, or the selfish acts I performed during the day; and even more miraculous, a speaking mouth that whispers back to me the changes that I need to make in my life, such as the need to forgive and ask of others forgiveness.



With all these said blessings, I would challenge you to also see how you are blessed. Make a list; share a list; make it public; make the personal and meaningful blessings private; however you do it, keep in remembrance the need to have gratitude. For, Gratitude is the manifestation of truly developed and mature individuals.



I believe that life can always be happier. The day can always be sunnier. The water always warmer, the birds always brighter and more fair. The diet can always be more appealing, and lifestyle more attractive, yet I know that we have much to be happy for, if we choose to be. It is just a matter of remembering to choose, and choosing to see the good.