The Pearl

A very long time ago, I was a sophomore in high school. Back in those days, I was a super top notch student (sometimes I feel like I've drifted from my studious habits of the past) and chose to step up to the challenge of an honors English class. 

For our summer reading we were assigned "The Pearl" by John Steinbeck and given a few instructions.

Because the book was only 90 pages and it was our only summer reading (and probably, in part, because I was sure I'd be an English major in college) I read the book four times looking for all these insights. By the end of the summer I had only found a handful of references to Kino and animals, but after reading those four times, I was positive I'd found everything.

I came to class that first day very self-assured in my knowledge and capacities. Surely I'd mastered every part of this novella.

I was wrong.

As we studied Steinbeck's words, I was astounded at how many metaphors I'd breezed by. All the mentions of ants, mice, scorpions, fish, hawks- every reference had been the very thing I'd been looking for but hadn't seen. I was reading the narrative level when there were deeper sociological and symbolic meanings I couldn't yet decipher.

I'm beginning to re-read this book tonight. Just like my experience with "The Pearl," I'm able to gain new insight every time I open its pages. The last couple of times I've read, I've used different copies to mark my notes.

It's been really cool to see the differences in what I highlight. The last time was the first I'd gone through focusing on a specific topic-- how to be a more Christ-like leader. I think this next time I'll be looking for examples of charity and love. Feel free to join me and let me know what you think.

A Clean Slate

Spring term just started up last week and things have been really busy. I have two classes for my major (Comms 300 and Comms 321), work at the library, a possible internship with the Red Cross, my service calling I'm working to do more with in my ward and tons of other little things running through my mind.

I'm very grateful for this change of pace in my life and the opportunity that I have to start fresh and be reinvigorated with my classes. I don't know what it it's been, but lately, I feel like something is lacking.

For the first time since I first came to BYU, I don't have a leadership position on campus. I miss BYUSA a lot. I really have been changed by the time I was able to spend in that office and the people I was able to interact with. It's really strange for me to not have a responsibility on campus; however, I still feel like focusing on public relations is what I'm supposed to be doing. Part of me feels like I've opened the next chapter to my life- and that's both completely exciting and utterly terrifying.

With the added time I'm reinvesting myself in my classes- that is, after all, what I'm here for- and trying to figure out where exactly that hole in me is.

Last night there was a CES Fireside with the Primary General President, Rosemary M. Wixom. You can find the broadcast for yourself here. Sister Wixom posed the question, "How can our surrounding landscape help us come to our Redeemer?" and offered four further questions to ponder on:

1. How can I come to know the Spirit of the Holy Ghost?
2. How will I come to know the Book of Mormon is true?
3. How will I come to know the personal plan Heavenly Father has for me?
4. How will I come to know the Father and his Son?

In reflecting on her words, there was one quote that really hit me.

"You are on this Earth and have merely forgotten what you once knew."

I think that this is part of my hole. I can improve in so many areas of my life but I feel like starting back at the basics with who I really am is going to really help.