Kick a Pine Cone

A fellow missionary reminded me yesterday of an experience that happened a couple-three months ago. It happened on a Monday, the mission's preparation day. My companion and I had given a ride to a couple elders to the library so we could all email home. As we were about to cross this small bridge on our walk back to the car, one of the elders was kicking a pine cone across the pavement. So to bug him, after one of his kicks, I ran and picked up the pine cone and threw it over the bridge and into the canal underneath. Now it's not as bad as it seems. There was no water in the canal at this time of year.

I share this experience because, first of all I was just reminded of it and now feel a tad bit bad about it. And secondly, I realized that even something as simple as "kicking a pine cone" can bring joy.

It reminds me of President Dieter F. Uchtdorf's conference talk entitled, "Of Things that Matter Most." He talks about how life these days is full of busy schedules and things to do. People live in a fast pace life. All these things that we think we "have" to do, create stress and frustration. They leave us with a feeling of diminished joy and a loss sense of meaning and purpose. President Uchtdorf gives us solutions to finding simplicity and the things that matter most. It starts with the principles of the Gospel. He says that "these simple beautiful truths...these core doctrines and principles, though simple enough for a child to understand, provide the answers to the most complex questions of life."

There's a reason we learn all throughout the scriptures to humble ourselves and to become as a little child. We can find joy in the simple things, and these simple things start with the Gospel. It can bring more joy than you can even imagine. And the cool thing about it?! It can last FOREVER!! It's time we put the complexities of life off to the side, and to remember the things that matter most. It's time we kick a pine cone.

The last thing President Uchtdorf mentions is, "Let us simplify our lives a little. Let us make the changes necessary to refocus our lives on the sublime beauty of the simple, humble path of Christian discipleship—the path that leads always toward a life of meaning, gladness, and peace." I know we can find joy as we follow Jesus Christ. If you don't believe me, try it and find out for yourself.

Thanks for reading. Until next time...