I have been thinking a lot about people that "got out" of Alabama.. my friends, classmates, teachers.. and how much all of our lives have really changed. Moving away from your home changes you, much more than just growing up and graduating. I am never going to be one to say that I am better than others, that I have so much more, that my choices were better- let me just say that. But, I look at pictures of people that I used to know, not just from Bama, but Michigan too.. their lives have changed but one thing they all have in common is that they party.. a lot. Now, I used to party, heavy drinking and what not but I feel like I out grew that life style. That is not something I want to raise my children in, and it is not a front that I want society as a whole to judge me on, because even when I did it, it was not who I was.
My life has changed so dramatically. Instead of a party town, I moved to a education and family oriented town.. Instead of the beach, I went to the mountains. Instead of the parties, I bowl with my close friends and have movie nights. Instead of racy revealing clothing, I chose a modest wardrobe. Instead of smoking as a hobby/habit, I knit and crochet. Instead of booze, I chose water and non-caffinated beverages. Instead of getting ready on a Saturday night to party, I get ready to worship the lord. Instead of a bar, I choose the temple. Instead of idols, brands, and people I chose God.
So many people think that I am not the person I was before because I do not drink, smoke, party, wear provocative clothing, party on the weekends. I spend my Sundays for three hours in the morning at Sacrament Meeting, Sunday School, and Relief Society and then I attend Ward Council, then I have my weekly meeting with the rest of the Relief Society Presidency. I spend my Sundays with my friends, I read my scriptures, watch church/ gospel related movies.. then at night I go to Ward Prayer- where the members of my ward meet for about 30 minutes- we have a spiritual thought, a song, treats and most importantly a short prayer. My Sundays are busy, but they are my favorite day of the week. Monday nights, instead of drinking at happy hour, I go to Family Home Evening with members of my ward and we have activities and spiritual thoughts. At any day through out the week, I attend the temple and do work for people who have passed away already. I serve my father in heaven all week.. and I wouldn't have it any other way.
It is crazy to think about how much my life would be different if I had not made the choice that I did almost 2 years ago. My life is so fantastic- and it is full of friendships that have so much depth and life. When I was in the hospital for 3 days in Alabama in September of 2010, not one friend came to see me. The only people that came were a few people from church. But my friends, well of course they were too busy, and I understood, because that is the only thing I could do. When I went to the hospital for my surgery, a friend iwas with me.. Mariah. She never left my side. I had countless friends come visit me, bring me gifts, and just stop by to see how I was doing. They legitimately wanted to help, they wanted to put a smile on my face and know that they are there for me. Friendships like these are so rare, and I have so many. I am blessed beyond belief. But I know why I have these amazing people in my life.. its because I have the gospel. I have a relationship with my father in heaven, and his son Jesus Christ. I am blessed because I obey the gospel.
So when I say that friendships like these are rare, I mean that I have never had them before. I have never had friends to drop everything just to check on me, to put their life on hold to be by my side, or to follow up everything with them knowing that no matter what I need, they are there.
I wonder how differently my friendships would be if I had moved somewhere else, if I had never joined the church, if I didn't know my father in heaven.. Would I of had the massive support that I have now? Would I have someone there at all times just so I felt comforted. I don't think so. Its nice to sit back and think about all of the amazing turns my life has taken. As for my friends who chose differently, would their lives be as different as mine, had they made a different decision? Most likely. If you are happy, then that is great, but true happiness lies in the gospel.. The booze, parties, smoking, drugs, idols, bars, clubs, expensive jewelry you can not take into the next life, so then why does it matter so much now? The gospel.. that is something you can always have with you. It is true, undying happiness.
Just a few thoughts, and a reflection on all of the amazing people I am blessed to have in my life.
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