Not Just for the Youth

I went to sleep last night thinking about what I would accomplish today.  I have always loved Mondays!  It is a fresh new day, a fresh new week.  I haven't as yet lost my enthusiasm for this day, but they are not always the most productive day of my week.

I made out a list late in the evening, and got a couple checked off today, but there is a lot yet to do. Looking on the bright side though, I got the things done that were most pressing.  I have somehow let SK's white shirts stack up again, and need to set aside a couple of hours tomorrow to iron.  I really don't mind ironing....it is just setting aside the time.

In Family Home Evening at the center a young returned missionary gave a great message about goals.  He quoted from "Preach My Gospel" - an excellent book.  One of the quotes was from Elder Russell M. Ballard:

“I am so thoroughly convinced that if we don’t set goals in our life and learn how to master the techniques of living to reach our goals, we can reach a ripe old age and look back on our life only to see that we reached but a small part of our full potential. When one learns to master the principles of setting a goal, he will then be able to make a great difference in the results he attains in this life.”

It was interesting to sit there with all of those young people who have their entire adult lives ahead of them.  I think most of them are optimistic and see themselves married and as parents earning a comfortable living.  I hope they can find all of that.

I am pretty certain though, that there is anxiety among them as they face the future.  The world is marching along at a terrifyingly fast clip....change is the order of the day.  And there is much uncertainty about the international scene.  

I am sure....more sure than ever that the Lord must have reserved special individuals for these times.  It takes much strength to face the future with courage, conviction and sacred covenants to keep.  Our young people have a great adventure ahead, and I think they are uniquely suited to it.  

As for me, I am making lists full of daily goals....looking toward weeks and months and finally, a day that is now about 7 months away....our release date.    

I guess what those young people don't know is that goal-setting isn't just for the young.

On another completely different topic, a newspaper headline on the bus this evening said that Copenhagen has an increasing problem with the rat population!!!!!  I am telling you there is a promising career in being a pied piper.