Change, My New Friend

I love living a well-educated heart kind of life! Take this particular day, for example:

Bright sunlight filtering through the bedroom drapes was the first thing I noticed as I awoke from a restful night’s sleep. Rolling over and climbing out of bed, I made my way to the kitchen for a glass of water and a quick glance at the clock.

8:56 a.m.

Today was my own since my children were spending the day with their grandparents. The thought of my cozy bed quickly lulled me back to the bedroom; however, before I had a chance to climb back between the bed covers, I had a curious thought:

“Today is the perfect opportunity for change.”

The prospect of incorporating a few changes into my daily routine was appealing to me, so rather than lounge in bed all morning, then quickly dress, grab a bite to eat, and sit down at the computer to check my email, bank account, and social media, I made it a point to do things differently.

I carefully made my bed, dressed, and prepared fresh juice for breakfast, which I enjoyed at the picnic table in the front yard while perusing a book on nature journaling. How wonderful it was to be outdoors in the morning hours, to feel the warmth of the sun on my face and notice the clear blue sky, the blooming hibiscus tree, and the busy bumblebees humming through the yellow lantana.

Returning to the house, I spent 20 minutes stretching, which both relaxed and invigorated my body.

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Making my way to a chair, I read a chapter from the delightful book, Lessons At Blackberry Inn: Adventures with the Gentle Art of Learning by Karen Andreola, then reached over and pulled from the wall a fine art print by Gainsborough that my children and I have been studying. I studied it up close for two minutes, noticing the intricate details of the painting: the ripples in the woman’s skirt, the tiny wooden fence in the background, the dog’s shiny, golden collar.

With a big sigh of contentment, I found myself wondering, “Why don’t I do this everyday?”

Recommended: 40 Nature Walks: Print and Go

Spotting my scriptures nearby, I decided to relocate them to a side table next to the comfortable couch, which would make for an inviting and cozy place to study them each day, perhaps with a cup of herbal tea, rather than return them to my bedroom nightstand where they sat, too often neglected.

As I reflected on the changes I had made to my morning routine, I realized I felt better physically, spiritually, and emotionally than I had in a long time.

Curling up on the couch, I opened the Book of Mormon to Alma Chapter 5 and read in verse 14,

“Have you experienced this mighty change?”

“Why, yes I have!” I said out loud.

I continued reading in verse 26,

“And now behold, I say unto you…if you have experienced a change of heart, and if ye have felt to sing the song of redeeming love, I would ask, can ye feel so now?”

I changed my routine that day, in an effort to change my habits, and found that it was quickly leading to a change of heart.

Change, while unavoidable in this life, is often feared and avoided. On this particular day, however, I was reminded that change can be a wonderful thing.

After spending the morning out in nature, caring for my body, and enjoying encouraging words and artistic works of beauty, I truly felt to sing the song of redeeming love, for I was reminded that the world is a beautiful place, and that Heavenly Father is present in the details of my everyday life.

While I may not have this much free time to myself on a typical day, thanks to a houseful of beautiful and lively children, I know that small, positive changes, incrementally incorporated into my busy days, will have a big impact on my heart and on my life.

Beginning today, change, my new friend, will be my daily companion.