I Don't Need to Pray

I transferred my collegiate path to Brigham Young University Idaho (BYUI) about a year ago. This choice was by far the best choice financially, and that was my top priority. Earn an education without going into debt. Check and check. Because BYUI is owned by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, I quickly realized that online gatherings were different than those I had become accustomed to. For instance, an opening and closing prayer is said at the beginning and end of each live online class. So, I would sit in my bed, wearing my Comfy, AirPods in, praying with my classmates, feeling very annoyed. I wasn't in college for religion! I went to church on Sunday for that! I did not have time for this! Move aside prayer and get on with it. Because our assigned groups consisted of students from all over the world, it was difficult finding a common time when all participants, from various time zones, could be present. Twice, on the same day, I had meetings scheduled via Zoom while I was at work. I hesitantly put a sign on my office door letting my workmates know I was busy, closed it, and logged into my meeting. Of course, the meeting officiator called on someone to say the prayer. I half-folded my arms, pretended to close my eyes, and squeamishly tolerated the prayer while watching my office door to make sure no one was outside. I had a window next to the office door so even with the door shut someone could easily look in and see me praying. That bothered me. The class went on, we said a closing prayer, and I logged out as quickly as possible. Hours passed and it was time for my second class meeting. Most of my colleagues had left for the day but there were still several people walking by my office. I again closed the door, hung a sign alerting people I was in a meeting, and logged in to Zoom. The whole time I was cussing in my mind, "This is so stupid. I don't need religion, I need an education. I don't need this." Just as I finished my selfish and prideful rant , I had a distinct thought, "You need this." I was still irritated. "No, I don't." After sixty minutes, the class adjourned with a closing prayer. I folded my arms, bowed my head, and asked myself what I would expect if my children were in my situation. I decided to actually close my eyes this time and listen to the prayer. The thought came again, "You need this." Like a palm to my forehead, it sunk in. I had been acting like a selfish child. I was proud. I was independent. I didn't want others to know my business. But, I need more prayer in my life, and Heavenly Father knows me well enough to know that I'm not going to go looking for it on my own. Stop complaining, keep praying, and get over yourself. You need this.

The Question That Stumped Me

Twelve years ago. Paige 9 years old, Gracie 7 years old. PAIGE If bees have the fertilizer for flowers to make them grow, and moms have the seeds and dads have the fertilizer, why can't Aunt Trissy grow a baby? ME (thinking...good question...followed by a simple explanation) GRACIE So, if you need the fertilizer from the dad and the seed from the mom to make a baby, how does the fertilizer get to the seed? ME Well,...(providing an age appropriate and anatomically correct explanation of sex)...that's how. (Man, this is easier than I expected.) GRACIE (looking confused) So, what position did you and dad do it in?"

I Forgot to Take My Kid to School

I forgot to take my kid to school yesterday. I truly forgot. I got out of bed around 7:00 am, showered, got ready, and headed out the door by 8:00 am. I made my regular stop at Maverik to get my Dew and Twix for breakfast, then I drove to work. I was listening to my Audible book, (Atomic Habits by James Clear), eating my breakfast, and enjoying the ride. It was a typical morning. As I pulled into the parking lot of work, something clicked in my brain. Emmy has school. Emmy is home asleep in bed and is supposed to be at school in 30 minutes. WTH?! Are you freaking kidding me?! How did I forget that? I immediately turned around and headed 20 minutes back to the house where, sure enough, she was snuggled in bed. I woke her up and told her she needed to hurry and get up so she wouldn't be late for school. She asked why, so I explained that I had forgotten to take her to school, to which she replied, "You forgot me?!" Yes, yes I did. How did I do that? What is physically wrong with my brain that something so routine, so huge, so habitual slipped my mind? Either way, it was mom for the win. Not only did Emmy make it school on time, she made it there five minutes earlier than she had been the day before!