Tailor-Made for Twenty-Two

Well, I’m 22. I remember turning 11 and being so excited because age 10 was double digits but age 11 was double digits of the same number! I remember thinking that wouldn’t happen again for 11 more years when I turned 22 and it seemed forever away! Now here I am, and 11 years went by way to fast!

My birthday this year was very unique for a few different reasons. It was the first birthday I have spent away from my immediate family, and it was on Easter which was also the first Easter I have spent away from my immediate family. I was able to spend it with the Capps family though which was really nice. There is just a different feel when you are relaxing with family, especially when you haven’t seen any known relative in almost 4 months! (which is the longest I’ve ever done that before since I’ve always at least had cousins around at school or been close enough to visit home) I was also able to skype with all of my family that had gotten together for Easter in Cody and everyone sang happy birthday to me. It made me so sad that I couldn’t be there but so grateful that they are all in my life!

The Friday before Easter however, I was able to celebrate with my good friend Delina. Her birthday was the 22nd and so we got a group together for a fun day trip to Columbia State Park to celebrate both of our birthdays. I love all of my friends here, they have become my family! We had so much fun, Delina and I had to make candles since it was our birthday celebration, but what we wanted to do most was take an old fashioned photo. I think it turned out pretty sweet! The whole day was great and it was probably one of my most memorable birthday celebrations.

Beyond all of the activities though, my favorite part of my birthday was the fact that it was on Easter. Due to the bike accident my dad was in, and my own personal study and preparation throughout the past couple of months, I have really been pondering the value of life and what a gift it is. My testimony has been strengthened on the significance of families as they are our purpose and means of gaining exaltation. With this has also come a deeper understanding of the importance of the atonement as it is the only way that we can fulfill the full measure of our creation and even have hope. It was very unique to be able to celebrate the day of my birth on the day that we remember the event which gives life meaning, direction, and joy. Without my Savior’s sacrifice, my life would be empty and without hope. It is because I have a powerful Savior that I am able to live a full life and build relationships with the many, many people in my life. It is through the enabling power of the atonement that I am where I am, and that I am thriving!

So, as another year of my life is beginning I am committing now to make it a great one. There is so much to be excited about, and I know that the past 21 years have been preparing me for now. My life has been no accident, and I want to remember to make each moment deliberate. Who knows what the next year has in store for me, but if the past 21 years have been any sort of indicator, it’s going to be absolutely incredible. Bring it on!