The Perfect Day

This Friday was the perfect day. Forget that I didn't eat breakfast or lunch... not in the conventional manner... forget that I was busy at work all day and really just wanted to be home asleep... forget that I had lots of things to do after work in a very short time frame: Friday was FANTASTIC.

Work was going well-- one of the counselors who I assist with questions about financial aid had gotten me a Jamba (that was breakfast), we got some great peanut butter M&M's in training meeting (that was lunch), and I was getting caught up and organized with my work load. As the afternoon drew on I was getting a little tired of being at work and wishing I could leave to run my errands. After working through a complex situation, I saw that I had unread mail in my inbox. I went to open it and see what new messages had arrived. There, amongst some financial aid updates and staff division reminders, was a message about Clog America Auditions 2008-09. I had auditioned for this group about two weeks previously. They perform American Folkdance at international festivals. I opened the message, hoping this one would contain the audition results. I skimmed through the first few lines until I saw- "audition list at the bottom of the message." I immediately scrolled down, anxious to check for my name. In years past, for other groups, this has usually been a painful process, checking and double-checking only to realize my name really wasn't included. Like the others, this was listed in alphabetical order. First I saw my friend's name, Tina, who I performed with two years ago on a folk dance team. I went down a few more names and suddenly, I stopped. My name was on the list. IT WAS!!!!! There, in beautiful black type was my name! Member of Clog America for 2008-09, participant in the tour to Europe!

I jumped up to go tell my best friend at work, Brittany. On the way I went past another co-worker, Katherine. I paused and said "guess what!" and of course she guessed right on! She was so excited, I was almost surprised. She suggested I ring the cowbell to tell our office. Usually I'm not a fan of ringing the cowbell because everyone really does gather for it, but this time I rang it with vigor. A few heads appeared, but not all. I rang it a second time even harder, probably annoying people, but hey, this was urgent news. They all gathered expectantly, probably wondering why I had such a cheesy grin pasted on my face. I shared my good news and they were all so happy for me! I really appreciate their support. I went back to my desk, giddily talking with my cubicle-mate. It settled in a little bit as I sat and realize the enormity of the moment. I've been trying since I started BYU folkdance in 2004 to be a member of the international tour team. It was extremely disappointing when that never happened, and I spent a while overcoming that and learning to trust in the Lord and His plan. Now, although I thought those chances had passed, I am a member of an international folk dance group that will tour Europe this summer (the itinerary isn't set yet) representing the United States of America, and my beliefs as well. I cried just a teeny bit as this all hit me. I finally made it. You would cry too if it happened to you.

Now, after that excitement, work kinda flew by for the rest of the day. I left a few minutes before five and ran to the mall to get a shirt, because I had gotten asked to Homecoming (and I needed to "amend" my dress). A good friend, David, from freshman year, invited me to the Homecoming dance this year! I love dances, and it's always great to go with friends. My roommate Kristen and I had hurried out Monday between my work and FHE to look for dresses. We were extremely successful on that trip, but mine needed some additional alteration to be modest. When I first went to get a shirt they were sold out of my size, but a shipment came in the next day (which also happened to be Friday and the very day I needed it by), and I was able to pick it up. I hurried home, started curling my hair, and I was only about 10 minutes late for my date. He was fabulously patient as I finished my hair and got dressed. Thankfully my friends downstairs-- Cami, Amy, Emily, and Jen-- wanted to see the dress and they came up to help me finish getting ready. They saved me! Dinner and the dance was great, and we had such a fun evening at the "Enchanted" Homecoming dance. It was honestly the perfect end to a perfect day.


These verses talk about spiritual blessings, but I think they apply just as well my situation and the temporal blessings I received this week.

D&C 58:2-4

2 For verily I say unto you, blessed is he that keepeth my commandments, whether in life or in death; and he that is faithful in tribulation, the reward of the same is greater in the kingdom of heaven.

3 Ye cannot behold with your natural eyes, for the present time, the design of your God concerning those things which shall come hereafter, and the glory which shall follow after much tribulation.

4 For after much tribulation come the blessings. Wherefore the day cometh that ye shall be crowned with much glory; the hour is not yet, but is nigh at hand.