Finding Joy.

Yesterday in church the sacrament talks were on the topic of Finding Joy, and it fed my soul to sit and listen to the thoughts that were shared. And when we sang "Improve the Shining Moments," the words hit me in a way they never have before. Probably because I had been so touched by the talks. Anyway, it is a topic that I definitely need right now--we probably ALL do, in some way or another--and my spirit just soaked it all up.

Improve the Shining Moments
Improve the shining moments,
Don't let them pass you by.
Work while the sun is radiant;
Work for the night draws nigh.
We cannot bid the sunbeams
To lengthen out their stay,
Nor can we ask the shadow
To ever stay away.

Time flies on wings of lightening;
We cannot call it back.
It comes, then passes forward
Along its onward track.
And if we are not mindful,
The chance will fade away,
For life is quick in passing,
'Tis as a single day.

As wintertime doth follow
The pleasant summer days,
So may our joys all vanish
And pass far from our gaze.
Then should we not endeavor
Each day some point to gain,
That we may here be useful
And every wrong disdain?

Improve each shining moment,
In this you are secure,
For promptness bringeth safety
And blessings rich and pure.
Let prudence guide your actions;
Be honest in your heart;
And God will love and bless you
And help to you impart.

It was as if the song was singing itself to me! Giving me a little reminder and nudge to seize what I have and wring every moment of joy from it. Lately it's been so easy for me to allow stress to bog me down and suck me into feeling sorry for myself, but there really is so much in my life that radiates with happiness. I should be flying on the wings of those blessings.

I love how this hymn says to improve the shining moments. Not just notice them, but improve them. Take hold of them and wring all there is to get out of happy moments and beautiful blessings.

And then I went home and guzzled a Diet Coke. Ahhh.