Sundays

Don't you just love Sundays? I don't know if everyone gets to experience the wonderful spirit present in a freshman singles ward, but it's so awesome. I remember my first few weeks here, all of those wonderful precious spirits all in one room, I couldn't stop smiling, my heart was so light and full of love. Sundays are so relaxing, I don't know if it's because I get to sleep in and take my time getting ready, or if it's because I'm being taught by other spirits, but it's wonderful. I remember at home, Sundays included meetings, reading the comics, getting our five days treat (if you read scriptures at least five days that week, you got a treat), eating pizza, and talking to various siblings on the phone. My little sister and I liked to watch home videos, laughing at different antics we had done as younger and sillier girls.

I think the difference out here is that we are discussing the gospel as peers, as equals, each of us teaching eachother, not one authoritative figure with a considerable age gap who had been a former bishop. During fast and testimony meeting, it's just so much easier to relate to these individuals who have gone through some of the same trials, being one of the few members in their school, or watching friends fall away from the church. It's just different, better for young people waiting to learn. It's much different to hear people receiving their calls out here, than it is at home. These are young men, who you are acquainted or friends with, they're excited to leave and go and serve the Lord, and you can just feel their spirit glow, and their lives seem more purposeful when they know where they will be serving. These places they are going already mean something to them, and they want to share this light with other people so much.

I think it's interesting that the people here, put on casual clothes for the rest of the day. For me, staying in my Sunday clothes helps me to remember that it's Sunday, and for me to act accordingly. I think that the commandment that is broken most often is the fourth commandment, about keeping the sabbath day holy. I heard of parent let their kids go swimming abou someone else's house, when it could've been done on a weekday, or a Saturday, and others of going to movies or doing laundry. I'm not reprimanding anyone who may have done these things, I just think that Sunday should be treated as a special day, since the Lord has given us so much, we might as well sacrifice some of the activities we would do during the week, and spend some time getting to know the Lord better, that's all. Naps are also acceptable, since Sunday is the day of rest, after all. Hey, at least everyone is wearing Sunday clothes to church, instead of flip-flops and jeans, so I guess it could be worse. I brought this up, because I remember my first ward prayer, everyone had changed, and I was still in what I had worn earlier to church, and I felt silly, and then I realized that was their choice, and I had made mine. So, I don't mean to sound preachy at all, but that's where I stand, that's what my values are, and I don't plan on changing them anytime soon.

That's why I love my ward, this church, the wonderful leaders who inspire me so greatly. I don't think the spirit's like this anywhere else, but I have time to find out. I may not necessarily know every single person in my ward individually, but I love them, nontheless. They're my brothers and sisters, my family outside of my family. They will listen to me, they will love me, and because of that I am blessed. Isn't that great? You've got to have your weekly dose of the spirit so fully in some way, it might as well be with these wonderful people whose spirits show their true potential, what they can become. I just hope they keep that with them always, that that light never fades, dims, or goes out. I've recently heard a challenge by some of my ward members, to try to have the spirit with you 24/7. Even if you aren't completely successful, you'll be so much happier and blessed. Maybe I should try it, maybe YOU should. Anyway, I'll let you know how it turns out. Oh, by the way, I'm almost finished with the Book of Mormon again! I realized for my Book of Mormon class a few days ago, that we only had a couple days to finish it, and I had been taking my sweet time, since class wouldn't end for a week or so, but our reading logs are due with the last day for reading on the tenth! So, there you go. My spiritual insightness for today, at least.