Seeking Happiness and Joy

This is an experience from my vacation in Canada this summer. Growing up in Florida, I spent a lot of time in water. I would swim in the natural spring on my great aunt's property all the time. We didn't live very far from the beach. For girls' camp and mutual activities, we would canoe down the river. I love the river. Moving to St. George was a little disappointing when I saw the size of the rivers which were more like streams or ditches. Nonetheless, I spent a lot of time at the river with my friends. I respect the great power of water--the constant pull of the current and the mystery of what lies below the surface. The river took the life of my dear friend, Jonny. That day took the joy of the river from my life. It was almost a year before I was able to even walk to the shore of the river. One of the planned activities for this trip was tubing down the St. Mary River. I was very anxious. I dreamed about my friend, Jonny, all night. I was incredibly nervous...

I woke up Sunday morning in American Fork. I was spending my last weekend before school started at my friend's house. She and I were living the easy life. She had taken Saturday off of work--her first in months. We watched movies, went shopping, went out to eat, but mostly talked. I didn't have any responsibilities. I had planned to remain in this state of freedom and relaxation one more day. I woke up Sunday morning at eight planning to attend church at nine at any nearby chapel. As I lay on the couch, I felt prompted by the Spirit to get in my car and drive home. I was enjoying my stay. I didn't want to leave. I didn't even know why I should leave. I started gathering my stuff. Within fifteen minutes, I was on my way home. The sky was full of storm clouds and it was still a little dark. I couldn't believe I was leaving. As I approached Payson, it started to snow. When I got to the South Santaquin exit, I was too scared to continue. The snow was comin...