A Visitor

Grandpa Nelson was in Utah this week, so he came to visit me! We ate burritos in the Cougar Eat and talked of all things relating to my future. Toward the end of our conversation, I expressed my insecurities about approaching graduation. I told him about how I didn't know which direction to go, or what goals to pursue. I explained to him my options, in addition to my indecisive perspective. Grandpa gave me some good advice. He told me the following the short story: 

"Imagine yourself walking on the beach, when suddenly you see something shiny sticking out of the sand. You walk up to it, pull it out and discover that it is a magic lamp. Upon rubbing the lamp, a mystical genie pops out. He tells you that you have three wishes, but these wishes come with one rule. Your wishes must be for only yourself. For example, you cannot wish for world peace, you cannot wish anything for your family, and you cannot make a wish for someone else." 

My grandpa then asked me to ponder what my wishes would be. Once I chose my wishes, I was to make those three wishes my new goals. He told me to consider my goals from an eternal perspective, and to make sure that from the starting point onward, any decision I make will get me one step closer to my ultimate desire. 

On the spot, I couldn't think of my three wishes. I told my grandpa I was worried about whether or not those wishes would meet expectations. "What expectations?" my grandpa inquired. "Remember, these wishes are not for anyone else. They are your wishes. It doesn't matter what anybody else says. As long as your wishes are not immoral or dishonest, then you have no reason not to move forward. Don't worry about what your parents might think, what your friends might say. Don't worry when people ask you about what you're up to. Just say that you're doing exactly what you want to be doing." 

"But Grandpa, I don't know what I want to wish for. I know some things I would like to pursue, but I'm too scared to invest in anything, or to move forward. What if I choose the wrong thing? What if I waste my time chasing a dream that, in the end, is not what I really wanted?" 

My grandpa looked at me with a caring, patient expression. He responded, "Katie, there is no such thing as wasted time when you are living righteously. Especially with you. There is always something you can learn from your experiences. You're a creative person. You like to create. You are happiest when you are spontaneous and follow your heart's desires. Don't restrict yourself. Don't set limits. Be brave, and follow your heart." 

I was surprised by my grandpa's conviction. Later he expressed his love for me and the great future he predicted should I continue to keep the commandments and follow my heart. Wow, grandpa. When I grow up, I want to be like you. 

I'm so grateful for Grandpa Nelson. He is a brilliant man, and has experienced much in his lifetime. He dances to his own beat, and sees the world from a much different perspective than anyone else I know. I appreciate his willingness to think about me and to pursue a close relationship with me. It feels really good to know that my grandpa cares about each of his grandchildren on an individual level. He sees me better than I see myself. I like that he is teaching me to focus on my strengths, rather than drudgingly grapple my every weakness. 

I'm still not sure what my wishes will be. There are certainly personal characteristics I would like to develop and polish, and there are definitely some lifestyle changes I need to improve. But I'm still deciding what my main focus should be. With time, my truest desires will be revealed to me once again, like they have been in the past. I like to think they are subconsciously driving me forward, despite my frequent fretting episodes about the future.

On a lighter note, I'm really grateful for the opportunity to see my Grandpa. Thanks Grandpa Nelson. I love you!