Blown Away

I grew up under the impression that it was proper to wish on white dandelions.

I've wished for many things. The aforementioned pergola and dining room, a baby, thicker hair, tighter skin, stronger legs, a pillow I can sleep soundly on, for my daughter to feed Lucy without being asked, etc.

This summer my mom and I sat in her purple Chrysler minivan for three hours while my husband and father fished the Provo River Falls near Kamas. If you ever want to see Last of the Mohicans meets Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves I suggest you go there. If you're wondering why we were sitting in the car it's because it was stinking hot and there were a million mosquitoes. My dad also has poor time management when he's fishing due to his worthless slogan: Real fishermen don't wear watches. (I love you, Dad, and you know it. I know you're saving Sunday for me.)

In our vehicular clubhouse my mom pointed out a quote to me from Dallin H. Oaks' autobiography, Life's Lessons Learned:

Goals should concern things that can be attained by our personal efforts. They should not depend upon the agency or efforts of others.

You can only wish for something if you can achieve it on your own.

WHAT?!!! That changes everything.

Thinking about this quote since July has whittled all of my emotional longings down to the only two wishes I will ever wish for again:

1. To give my own life my best effort. If it is to be, it is up to me.

2. To accept the Lord's will for me. If I did my best and it isn't to be, it is still right because He has a perfect plan for me. I can't feel badly if I did my best.

I will live my life on purpose, accept what comes, and not count on dandelions.

Photo quote by Gail Miller, widow of Larry H. Miller, the former owner of the Utah Jazz, multiple car dealerships, Rocky Mountain Raceways, and several restaurants. He was a tycoon that did much good for our Beehive State. Her remark was taken from a BYU convocation speech given 26 April 2013.