*This entry was inspired by Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf's most recent talk from the General Relief Society Meeting. If you haven't seen it yet, well, what are you waiting for?
We all know what happens. The whole world begins to search for the golden tickets. Every one is in pursuit of these tickets. But along the way, in anticipation for the golden ticket, the JOY and pleasure that once was found in a chocolate bar begins to loose it's appeal. The chocolate bar may have even been tossed to the side, uneaten, if it did not contain the coveted golden ticket.
How many of us are waiting for our golden ticket? The perfect marriage, a home that is clean and stays clean, a life free of stress or worry, enough money...the list goes on and on. We can become so narrow minded and obsessed with these golden tickets that our chocolate bars are literally going to waste.
I ate a piece of fudge before writing this (curse you James for making such succulent fudge!!!) The chocolate melted as soon as it touched my tongue. Chocolate is so warm and friendly because it does this...it melts and spreads to every taste bud, every crevasse of your mouth. It slides down your throat and lands softly in your stomach. It pats you on the back on it's way down and wraps you in comfort. (You are going to the pantry right now for some chocolate, aren't you?)
Okay people!!! What are you waiting for? Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but the last golden ticket was just found! You ain't getting one!
ENJOY the chocolate and STOP WAITING FOR YOUR GOLDEN TICKET!!!!
Let the JOY that is all around you seep into every crevasse. Open your heart and mind to the JOY that can penetrate every cell in your body. JOY does not force itself in, but when you create space and opportunity, it melts into every part of you.
Imagine standing before your creator on judgment day and saying, "I just couldn't enjoy the sunset tonight because my favorite show was on and I just couldn't miss it! And I couldn't enjoy my kids today because they were driving me CRAZY and I was waiting for them to sit still and stop fighting. And my husband, well, when he can finally read my mind and for once know what I want and do exactly what I need him to do, then I can enjoy and serve him. Sorry, I just couldn't savor the smell of those autumn leaves cause my laundry was piling up. And forget about after dinner when my daughter was pulling on my pant leg to read her a story! I couldn't sit down and read to her because the dishes were piling up. So sorry...I will do those things tomorrow when life is calmer."
In pursuit of our golden ticket, are we forgetting to be happy NOW? We must be constantly and prayerfully striving for something better, but we can not forget to find JOY in the journey...or chocolate bar.
So let's start enjoying those chocolate bars again, in all their flavors.
Please share with me your golden tickets, and how you are going to savor your chocolate bars more!!! I LOVE feedback.
