A Beautiful Gift

The other day I was with my mom and we saw a quote that said "The present is a gift. Untie the ribbons." My mom immediately began to praise the quote, saying how much she loved it. I, on the other hand, secretly scoffed at the saying. "Untie the ribbons", I thought.. "that's a stupid saying." But over the Christmas break I found myself thinking and thinking about those 'stupid' words.  I grew to love them once I understood them. In my life and in the lives of many others, we are all waiting for the next big thing. That super cool vacation, graduation, marriage, a house and family of our own. Some are just looking forward to the weekend. The result? We miss what is right in front of our faces. In reality, we have no choice but to live, at least physically, in the present. It is impossible to do otherwise. Why, then, do we torture ourselves by trying to go back mentally to the past or skip to the future?

I have found that often we do not realize what we have until it is no longer within our grasp. Friends grow apart. Some move away. Ideas change, beliefs change, people change. If the world were to slow down and understand that ALL there is is the present, wouldn't they strive to see the beauty of it? There will always be another tomorrow. But once a day is gone, you can never relive it. It only lives on in your mind and in your heart, soon fading away amidst all the other days of your life. THAT is why the present is a gift. Because every day is beautiful. If only everyone were to see that, the world would be a better place. Instead of trying to find a bigger and better present, untie the ribbons on today and discover the treasures that lie within the wrappings. Because I know that they are there for everyone, just waiting to be found. The present is a gift. Untie the ribbons.

See You Soon :)

  JOHNNY!! This is my cousin. He left today fot the MTC and will be serving an LDS mission in Long Beach, California for the next 2 years. I am going to miss him SO MUCH! Our families have always been close, which has brought many adventures and a great friendship:)

Here we are at Seminary graduation this year. I can't believe graduation has passed! I have grown up alongside Johnny my entire life. He is such an amazing guy. He is the most real person I have ever met. He always listens to me and is there when I need someone. Anybody who knows Johnny has to have noticed the light and laughter that he brings to a room. It's truly incredible!

Last year we went to Frightmares and it is hands down my favorite Lagoon memory. It was pouring and FREEZING and while that sent most people home, we were not discouraged. We hit all the rides and Johnny had quite the time laughing at me while I was scared to death of EVERYTHING. I love Johnny and I am going to miss him SO MUCH. But the people of Long Beach are about to have a huge blessing come into their lives. Just having Johnny around is very much a blessing, and I can't wait until he comes home to hear all about his adventures. Good luck Johnny! You are the BEST!! :)