This morning I rushed around getting ready with my half-unpacked stuff from our beach trip and hurrying Addison up for seminary. Then I rushed to take Joey home when he got off night-shift at 7 am so I could drive his truck to Columbia for class. All the while I was at the brink of tears thinking of Erika and so grateful she's okay after the accident yet concerned about how she and Jack would work out their transportation until they can find another car. It's tough trying to work and go to school and keep it all together but if anyone can do it these two can -- they love each other so much. Plus, I've missed her and Jack so much lately.
Well--I almost felt like I'd run a marathon by the time I arrived for class. It was a computer class - Excel 2003 and it was a fast-paced tough class but I made it. I think I know more about it...at least I hope so...the formulas are what stumps me most but I'll get it the more I use the applications.
It made me think, though, about the title of this computer program -- EXCEL. Maybe its name describes it - it is an action verb and requires progress. Hmmmm...this made me think even more...wow, and then this light came on! I've been a little bit (actually a lotta bit) tough on myself lately in trying to figure some things out. (maybe it's a mid-life thing after my surgery -- or maybe hormones?!?! I don't know.)
Well, after such a great weekend at the conference and some meditation today I'm realizing more and more about this EXCEL thing. It really applies to life in general. I can let it get the best of me (things I've been trying to sort out, that is) or I can excel - at my own pace and in one thing at a time...My daddy told me on more than one occasion during my adolesent years, "There is a time and a season for everything, Valencia, maybe this is not the time." There is so much I want to learn, so many things I want to accomplish, and so many goals I want to achieve. Some are more realistic than others but some are very attainable. I love President Hinckley's advice in many talks he's given over the years to "Try a little harder to be a little better." That's all it takes! And the harder you try the easier it becomes to excel in whatever it is you're working on, be it making better grades, being a better friend, losing weight and getting in better shape or whatever it is that we want to achieve. And just like the computer program can make so many things easier to organize when you're dealing with different data the same is true in life. If we put first things first in our lives and in the correct order we will excel. Hmmm...I feel lots better now and to think I'd so dreaded going into downtown Columbia today for a class. I learned alot more than I'd expected!
Excel...I quite like that word...
1 comment:
Great post! I took a CPT 101 course last semester, and EXCEL was the last component that we studied. I found it quite challenging but amazing too! I mean, I can put in a formula (a very simple one), and figure out semester grades.
Didn't President Hinckely also say to "do your best?" I think he said that in a talk to the children many years ago. I always try to do that, but sometimes my best is better than others.
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