too grateful

last night, I couldn't fall asleep for a few hours because I kept on thinking of more things that I had to thank my Heavenly Father for.  I think it was in 7th grade when I realized that I have been way too blessed.  I have just been given too much--too many good friends, family members, and too many opportunities.  I was reading in the Doctrine and Covenants and realized that I have been given so much, so much must be required of me.   It is stunning how significant that realization was.  It was suddenly easy to be different, to stand up for myself, and to love living the gospel conspicuously.  because I was much was required of me.  

Later on, I realized that what I have been given is simply different than others and not really any more.  But I certainly am grateful to be born in America, in Wisconsin, to a family who loves the Lord.  To have had the opportunity to visit 24 countries, lived in 4.  To have had teachers who have shaped my thinking, acceptance, writing and playing.  To have had the means musical instruments.  To have been in places all along the path of my life where Heavenly Father has set up stepping stones to prepare me for the life that I have been able to live.  

It is wonderful to be old enough to realize some of the repercussions of my choices as a youth.  and to see some of the benefits of things I have struggled with for seeming eternities.  I have been too blessed.  

I have been given everything I have ever wished for.  So many of my dreams have come true.  I have worked hard.  but i have been blessed beyond anything I can imagine.  I am excited to live life out--to struggle, to learn, to change.  To learn all the ridiculous things that I am doing now and to have overcome them.  or learnt from them.   

To be molded in God's hands.  or perhaps to have sung one of His melodies as His instrument.