The Difference is only in the Details

I like to reminisce….or more like, I tend to reminisce. I don’t have any particular disdain or love of reminiscing; it’s more like it just happens. I feel that personally I have been doing this more often. Reflecting on things, people, or events that have taken place in my life. Some things that I wished to have handled differently, some great times that I had with my friends and family. It’s quite possible I do this since so many of these people I have shared these moments and memories with are so far away, but I also like to think of it as my own personal reminder to “find joy in the journey”. My journey.

A wonderful talk given by President Monson in the October General conference reminds us exactly why we need to find our joy and take advantage of what we have today. You can find the complete talk here: http://lds.org/conference/talk/display/0,5232,23-1-947-26,00.html

“Stresses in our lives come regardless of our circumstances. We must deal with them the best we can. But we should not let them get in the way of what is most important—and what is most important almost always involves the people around us. Often we assume that they must know how much we love them. But we should never assume; we should let them know. Wrote William Shakespeare, “They do not love that do not show their love.” We will never regret the kind words spoken or the affection shown. Rather, our regrets will come if such things are omitted from our relationships with those who mean the most to us.

“Send that note to the friend you’ve been neglecting; give your child a hug; give your parents a hug; say “I love you” more; always express your thanks. Never let a problem to be solved become more important than a person to be loved. Friends move away, children grow up, loved ones pass on. It’s so easy to take others for granted, until that day when they’re gone from our lives and we are left with feelings of “what if” and “if only.” Said author Harriet Beecher Stowe, “The bitterest tears shed over graves are for words left unsaid and deeds left undone.”

I also know from personal experience that when we stop stressing over the things in our life that we can’t control, then we are able to clearly see the big picture and recognize all that we have been given, in spite of those challenging moments. I am so thankful for all of you, my family and friends who are the “Details” of my life.