When I graduated from High School, there was no way under the sun that I was going to go to a church school, especially not BYU-Idaho. I didn't want to have an Honor Code. (silly me . . . ) Somehow I thought it would limit my agency. Not that I did anything terrible or horrible when I went to Utah State, I still lived gospel standards, and basically lived the honor code anyways, but I didn't want it forced on me.
Now that I am here, I realize how silly that is. I still live the standards I always have and it is really cool to pray in class and have spiritual thoughts etc. It is a beautiful environment where you really can feel the spirit so much, although it does sometimes lead to awkward/cool experiences.
Yesterday I had a really good day. The week before had been really stressful. I have smaller classes here than I did at Utah State and that basically means more homework that I actually have to turn in. Yes, I know that I am sometimes a little bit of a slacker...okay, maybe more than a little bit when it comes to homework. Anyways, I was super stressed about all of my classes and all the homework that I had to do. Yesterday morning after my calculus class I was sure that I was going to fail. I was already behind in some of my classes and I didn't know how I was going to be able to catch up. So, as I was doing homework for a certain class the thought came to me, "I can drop this class". So much peace came over me that I knew it would be okay if I dropped a class. (but to be sure I had to call my sister and have her validate my decision. Thanks Julie!) So I dropped my class and suddenly life seemed manageable again. It was wonderful! My day was going great!
After my last class that day, I stopped on my way home to enjoy the good weather (while I can) to sit and read. As I was reading I heard a man singing. He came around the corner of the building by the table I was sitting singing "Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing" at the top of his lungs. He saw me, stopped singing, and apologized. I smiled and said, "No worries, you're fine!" waved and went back to reading. He continued walking and singing, and I didn't think more about it. . . . Until he came back.
I was reading when I noticed him walking back towards me, he introduced himself, sat down, and asked if I was doing okay. I said "Yep! I am doing great!"
He said, "Oh, well, I don't usually do this, but what is your favorite hymn?"
"I like 'Lead Kindly Light'"
"Would it be alright if I sing it for you?"
"umm...Sure..."
He then proceeded to sing to me. To tell you the truth I was kind of embarrassed and it was awkward, people were walking by and this random man was singing to me. He finished singing for me and then asked if he could say a prayer for me. I again, said sure, feeling kind of awkward. He prayed for me and then got up and left...and then I proceeded to read again and I just kind of laughed thinking to myself how that was weird.
When I went home I told my roommates and they kind of laughed with me and I called my sister-in-law this morning and told her and we laughed a little about it. I commented and said that now I know how the random people on the street I talked to as a missionary and prayed for felt.
Anyways . . . fast forward to this afternoon. I was sitting in devotional and I realized how, this young man was simply acting on his prompting. He felt like he needed to come and make sure I was okay, sing a hymn, and pray for me. He was acting on his faith. It made me think about all my tender mercies. Usually when I recognize them I am having a bad day,something is hard, or annoying, but God's tender mercies aren't just for when we are down. God is ALWAYS there, showing his love for us. He shows us he is there when we are having good days, doing fun things, and enjoying life. I am grateful for this young man's dedication to his prompting and for reminding me that God is blessing me all the time, not just when I am down.
And just for kicks and giggles, here is a picture of a happy sun wall hanging and a pretty flower :)
