Reflections

I had the opportunity to attend a funeral today for someone I have known for many, many years - Ron Teeples. He and his family have been in Claremont for 30 something years and his children, Ryan and Jill, swam at Industry Hills and the Claremont Club with Jamie and Kyle. Whenever I think of any of the Teeples family, I am filled with thoughts of their kindness, sweetness, patience, fun, and intellectual endeavors.

As I listened to tributes from his family, memories of his colleagues at Claremont McKenna College, and the heartfelt expressions from his LDS friends, it made me wonder about my own life.

Have I accomplished what is really important?

Have I been wise in my stewardship as a mother? As a wife? As a sister and daughter? As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints? As a member of society in general?

I know that I have never been perfect in any of the roles that I have played thus far in my life. There have been times that I was too tired to do much more than what I was accomplishing at the time. I feel as though I have failed or been "less than" in so many areas.

BUT, I know that no matter what I did or didn't do, my family will know that I love them.

I have tried to see the fun in many experiences and taken the scenic route whenever I can (that is Janette speak for getting lost or just wandering).

I have tried to be compassionate and interested in the people around me. Except when driving. Enough said.

I have enjoyed the learning from the best books, and some from the "just fun to read" books. I have learned to appreciate and enjoy immersing myself in the scriptures - wow, they are awesome!

I have tried to be obedient - even when I didn't want to be! ( I took out the second pair of earrings when I was told by the prophet! I really liked that bit of rebelliousness, but I did it because it was the right thing to do.)

I have been able to slow down and enjoy nature more, people more, and allow myself to have some quiet study times. It has been lovely.

I can say that I have been able to laugh when it would have been easier to cry. I have been able to smile and laugh with ease. Especially when Cordell does his Mr. Bean imitations.

So have I accomplished all that I can? No. Am I okay with that? Yes. I have much more to do and am reinvigorated by the chance I have to be here on earth for a while longer. So for now, I am ready to go on to "fight the good fight" for another day.

Which means, that I need to get off the computer and go get ready to go to Cruise Night in the Village with mi esposo! (At least I didn't say that I now have to play Solitaire on the computer or Sudoku on my DS Lite!)

I love you, family and friends! You make my life so wonderful and joyful!