SLOW DOWN!!!

This a late post about these two women, but I thought I would include them because they taught me an important lesson that echoes what President Dieter F. Uchtdorf taught. But, before I get to what President Uchtdorf said, let me explain this picture.

This is just outside the building where one of my nieces had her graduation from preschool ceremony. It was awesome! The kids all said what they wanted to be when they grew up, giving answers like a "princess" and "ballerina." When asked why, most of them said, "Because they're pretty!" Guess what my niece said? Oh no, she's not about to join everyone else. In more or less words, she says, "When I grow up, I want to be a police officer!" When asked why, she responds with, "Because they put people in jail!" EPIC!!!!!

As we left the building, we were behind these two wonderful women. Their pace was rather slow; especially compared to that of the modern world where we tend to walk with a sense of "urgency" to get places we need to go.

As we were walking behind them, I couldn't help but think of the words from Dieter F. Uchtdorf:

"Have you ever been in an airplane and experienced turbulence? The most common cause of turbulence is a sudden change in air movement causing the aircraft to pitch, yaw, and roll. While planes are built to withstand far greater turbulence than anything you would encounter on a regular flight, it still may be disconcerting to passengers.

What do you suppose pilots do when they encounter turbulence? A student pilot may think that increasing speed is a good strategy because it will get them through the turbulence faster. But that may be the wrong thing to do. Professional pilots understand that there is an optimum turbulence penetration speed that will minimize the negative effects of turbulence. And most of the time that would mean to reduce your speed. The same principle applies also to speed bumps on a road.

Therefore, it is good advice to slow down a little, steady the course, and focus on the essentials when experiencing adverse conditions.

My dear brothers and sisters, we would do well to SLOW DOWN a little, proceed at the optimum speed for our circumstances, focus on the significant, lift up our eyes, and truly see the things that matter most. Let us be mindful of the foundational precepts our Heavenly Father has given to His children that will establish the basis of a rich and fruitful mortal life with promises of eternal happiness."

I couldn't help but slow down and pay attention to the little one sitting on my shoulders and the sweet hand I was holding at the moment. I am thankful for times like these that can cause us to stop and reflect on what we have right there in that very moment. I look forward to having more of these moments as life goes on and to be adding two little girls in the mix here soon!!!