It was a good day.

Sharing past experiences with people really is an interesting thing. You can be someone completely different on the surface than who you really are underneath. I've learned, however, for most people that they must feel comfortable with the human being, or some other creature, that they are sharing information with because we are afraid of being judged. Why are we so afraid of what people think about ourselves? Are other people's actions going to take that much of a toll on our own lives? We are all children of Heavenly Father, here to do the exact same thing in life - we're just all at different points on the path. Don't get me wrong, you have to serve others in your life to feel accomplished, and common courtesy is a huge concept for people to understand and grasp, but you can't help anyone when you can't help yourself first.

Tonight (I guess technically last night...) I was able to get away from Rexburg for a few hours to venture down to Idaho Falls with Casey and his sister Kara to visit their grandmother. Grandma was very sweet and had a delicious meal ready for us when we arrived. I had spent an evening or two with this family before and I always feel like dying after I eat a meal - they were so incredible and filling, I wanted to explode. Perhaps I should explode like the beached whale in Florence, Oregon 30+ years ago? We were fed cake and then we drove into town to walk around the river. I was able to talk to Casey, and once we get a conversation started going, it's hard to stop. We talked about spiritual things, specular things, love, people, otters, geese, comedians, Moroni, dogs, and so many other wonderful topics. The 4 of us drove to get Reed's dairy (I'm sorry fellow Oregonians, they've converted me) and returned home for about an hour. At that point, I finally felt very comfortable with who I was in front of this family. I was holding back because I wanted to make a good impression by being the sweet, helpful guest. However, we got on the topic of the gospel and how I have only been a member for 8 months. I was asked about my family, how I was introduced, my ward back home, and everything more. They took an interest, and asked me questions. I felt like this was a huge stepping stone that I had conquered. All this time, I was worried about being myself to a certain extent because I didn't want to scare them off. I told them nothing but the truth of my recent past and, I could be wrong, but it looked like it fascinated them.

I've always wondered what it would be like to meet another convert that had to go through a similar situation such as myself. However, I find it fascinating talking to members that have been in the church their entire lives, and to ask them where they think they would be in life if they didn't have the gospel and it's knowledge. I find it fascinating. I count my blessings constantly on how I was given the gospel at this point in my life and how it has changed me for the better. I know I am still growing, because it's a lifelong process. But the fact that I had changed my entire outlook on this life in one summer hits me like a brick.

It was a good day.