Holy Envy

So I have been thinking a lot recently about relationships.  Things have been a little crazy at work.  Plus turning 25.  All these cause for a bit of reflection.

Also, a little while ago I taught a lesson in relief society where I talked about Holy Envy.  There's a bishop in the church in sweden who coined that term and was referring to religion when he used it.  "By this Stendahl meant that you should be willing to recognize elements in the other religious tradition or faith that you admire and wish could, in some way, be reflected in your own religious tradition or faith."  

So I started thinking about Holy Envy in terms of the relationships that I've had.  And some of these are like BF/GF relationships, and some are like bff relationships, but these are some of the things that I have Holy Envy for.  I have Holy Envy for:

• W and the way that he is so so so giving.
• J and the way she is bubbly and oh so nice all the days.
• D and how he is such a peacemaker.
• S and the adventures we would always go on.
• B and the way he was my best friend and we could talk about anything.
• A and how grateful she always is.
• M and how she is such a great cook.
• S and how he treated me like a princess
• G and how funny he is.
• R and how accepting he is of everything and everyone.
• D and how ambitious he is.
• K and how she makes everyone feel at ease in any situation.
• S and how focused and self controlled she is.
• M and how he respects my values and the way I live my life, and helps me set them higher.
• D and how passionate he is about the gospel.
• A and how he is so obedient in his life.
• S and the fashion sense that she has.
• A and how she loves learning.
• S and how witty she is.
• V and how goal oriented and organized she is.
• P and how he is always there for me.
• C and how she's my cuddle buddy when i need a good cry.
• C and how close he is with his family.

I could probably go on and on and on and on but can I tell you how good it's been to look back and look at all the good things that I've learned from all the amazing people in my life?  How blessed am I!  Love it :)

Blessings.

                     

Story of my life.  haha.  But really.  I boycott.  No, not really.  Life is funny.  God can be funny.  Plays funny jokes.  No.  That's not really true either.  My life....

I got sick this last week.  Throw up sick.  Haven't done that in a while.  Actually last time I did that was because I had a panic attack.  That was grand.  But not the case this time in case you were wondering.  Just a bug.  And my life is real wonderful.

It's gotten real busy.  Which is good.  Good to get involved in good things.  Conference was this weekend and I loved it!  Learned a lot.  About life.  About myself.  About my calling.  Oh ps. i got the calling to be relief society president again.  Which I finally came to terms with again this weekend.

Big news for the LDS church this weekend is that our missionaries (which in the past have consisted of typically 19 year old boys and some 21 year old girls) can now begin at ages 18 and 19 for boys and girls respectively.  I was at work when the announcement was made, and got out of work to a text from one of my best friends saying "Annie!!! I AM GOING ON A MISSION ASAP! I already have a meeting with my bishop.  Oh ho ho I am so happy."  To which I immediately started crying.

I have been home from my mission for about 2.5 years.  Weird.  I just turned 25.  Weird.  I have this extremely overwhelming calling.  Again.  Which is weird.  But I have a Heavenly Father who knows what's up and I am blessed in oh so many ways.  And so, as part of President Monson's counsel, here is a list of just a few of my recent blessings:

1)  I have an incredibly talented and amazing presidency.  They are phenomenal.  Really.

2)  Best parents on the planet.  Enough said.

3)  Roommates who are super chill and easy to get along with.

4)  I get to work with kids every day.  And they are angels.  And I love them.  Even the crazies.  Actually, especially the crazies.

5)  I have a job that keeps me active and having fun.

6)  I have friends I can count on to take care of me when I'm sick.

7)  I am provided for.  I have a job, apartment, food, etc.

8)  I got to step on crunchy fall like leaves this weekend.

9)  I have friends in distant lands who love me and know the perfect times to send messages/packages/texts/call, etc.

10)  I have learned how to say no.  At least a little bit.  Not my strongest suit.  But I am getting better at it.  and I consider that a blessing.

and many many many more.  i'm continuing the list elsewhere, but you just get the taste of it.  It was funny cause Pres. Monson gave this counsel and all I could think about was how I already do it thanks to the dear Sister Walker and her example on my mission.  It has made all the difference in my life.  5 blessings/tender mercies written down at the end of each day.  I highly recommend it.  It'll change your life :)