Joy in the Journey

Lately I've been thinking a lot about finding joy in the journey. This phrase was a Young women's theme a few years ago in the ward where I served in the YW presidency and recently it's been coming to my mind a lot.

Jared would tell you that I have whined and complained and murmured my fair share about going to China, about the difficulties of being a single mom right now, and about all the challenges and frustrations we've had along the way. I told Jared when we made this decision to move to China, that I was "not going to be a martyr about it" and I've really tried to stick to that, although at times it all gets to me and I have a break down. But really I try to pick myself back up and plow ahead with more faith and determination after these episodes.

Through it all I think I've done a decent job of not complaining too much, but I feel like I still have been saying to myself, "Poor me, look at how much I have been through and how hard it's been" and "When will this end" and "I'll be so happy when...." That last one is the biggie. I have been saying that in my head for so many years:

"I'll be so happy when I get married"
"I'll be so happy when I graduate"
"I'll be so happy when the baby is born"
"I'll be so happy when Jared graduates"
"I'll be so happy when Jared finds a job"

The list is endless. If you look at that phrase it looks like I'm saying I'm not happy now. How sad to be always dwelling on the future and not living in the present and enjoying the moment.

President Monson gave a talk on this subject in the October 2008 General Conference.
Quote:

"I believe that among the greatest lessons we are to learn in this short sojourn upon the earth are lessons that help us distinguish between what is important and what is not. I plead with you not to let those most important things pass you by as you plan for that illusive and nonexistent future when you will have time to do all that you want to do. Instead, find joy in the journey—now."

He goes on to say:

"If you are still in the process of raising children, be aware that the tiny fingerprints that show up on almost every newly cleaned surface, the toys scattered about the house, the piles and piles of laundry to be tackled will disappear all too soon and that you will—to your surprise—miss them profoundly."

I do look forward to being with my darling husband and having my own home again, but in the meantime, I'm trying to enjoy my family and friends and the time I have left with them.