Patience

Sunday night, my roommate Caitlyn Savage and I stayed up into the wee hours of the morning talking about... stuff. not even 'boys' stuff but hopes, dreams, aspirations, strivings, laughter, dedication and love.  My favorite discussions are those that stay on my mind for days or weeks and this one fit into that category with pride.   I set a goal with Cait that I would not do anything to start the week before I had studied patience.  So I did.  Preach my Gospel says that patience is not angry, frustrated, or anxious but it is "to hold up under pressure and [be] able to face adversity calmly and hopefully."   After praying about it, the stress miraculously vanished from my life.  I have decided never to be anxious, worried, or stressed again!  

although  I realize that this goal is slightly impossible, it has worked miracles so far this week.  all the stress miraculously swoooshed away with the cold wind this week.  I have needed a little extra patience with piano practice, performances, myself, and an awaiting mission call.  Patience has somehow seeped into my life and the fears that I had about serving a mission  suddenly flew away.  

Monday morning, I got a message telling me that my call had been sent (I think it meant issued).  I bounded out of bed (Camille can testify), threw open the windows (actually this part is fictional but definitely possible), and shouted to the world that I was going on a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.  It suddenly didn't matter where my primary assignment was, or how difficult the whole affair would be.  because I... I (mariah???) had been called.  Called to Serve.  and I have the patience to wait for a call an extra few days if it gets stuck in the mail.  and the patience that practice will slowly cumulate.  and that I will finish papers in time.  and that I can slowly refine my character even when I make mistakes.  and I have faith that all will work out.  and.  I'm going on a mission.