what really matters

Life has flown by this past month, between work, vacations, and preparing to head up to the U in the Fall it's been easy for me to get caught up in my life. This past month there have been a few deaths of some young boys within our community that have been heartbreaking. Although I don't know any of the them well I do known the people that they were close to, and it makes me so sad that their time with a loved one is so short. I wish with all of my heart that I could take away some of their pain, but I'm so grateful that God is able to do that. When someone young passes away I have a really hard time grasping the fact that their spirit is no longer in their body, and that their life here on earth is done. But then I remember that they are now with our Heavenly Father, and that their mission on earth, although it may have been short, is now over. It brings me a great deal of comfort once I am reminded of that fact. Although life is beautiful, I know that the day I am reunited with my Father in Heaven is going to be a wonderful day, and far greater than I can even imagine. After seeing the effect that these boys have had on peoples lives I can only hope that I am able to become that type of person before it is my time to pass on. There are some people who have such strong spirits that they are able to accomplish more on earth in a small amount of time then some people are able to do in a whole life time, and lucky for us our lives are enriched just by having known them. It's times like these that cause me to stop and wonder where my priorities are. Am I spending enough time thinking about how I can help others, or grow closer to Christ, or am I putting the majority of my time into worrying about not having perfect skin, or the perfect body, not being outgoing enough, etc.  When I answer that question to myself with honesty the answer scares me but lucky for me I have the opportunity to grow and change. From here on out I am going to try my best to throw my insecurities out the window and to become the Daughter of God that my Heavenly Father knows I can be. I am going to try and cherish the moments I get to spend with my friends and family and let them know that I am glad for them, because the reality is life can change unexpectedly in an instant. I'm so grateful for the knowledge of eternal families. What comfort it brings to know that this is not the end, and it is in fact just a small moment in the grand scheme of things, even though it can sometimes feel like eternity. I'm so glad that Heavenly Father has a plan for us all, we couldn't be in better hands. We are so lucky that God blesses us with families like the Harrison family! It's people like them who show you how good you really can be, and how important family is. I'm grateful for that. My heart aches for them right now, but I know that they can make it through this, and that their little brother has completed his mission here, and is moving on to something even greater.

This quote that came up on my Latter- Day Words of Wisdom app on my phone yesterday, and it seemed to go along with what I have been pondering pretty well.

"Speaking of loved ones he had lost, one man declared his regret this way: I remember those happy days, and often wish I could speak into the ears of the dead the gratitude which was due them in life, and so ill returned."