Keeping a Record

Last week, instead of normal class, our D&C class attended a special seminar in the library. Because I attended the seminar last semester, I was not required to go this semester, so I used the time to study for another class. I am now somewhat regretting that decision, as this week's blog prompt is about that seminar, and I am at a loss for what I should write about. I really did love the seminar when I attended last year. It was fascinating to be able to see, with my own eyes, manuscripts written hundreds, and in some cases, thousands of years ago. It is amazing to consider the work that went into the preservation of these sacred texts and important records. Today, we have so many inventions that facilitate this process. If monks from the dark ages could see how easy it is today to keep, preserve, and copy records, they would be extremely jealous. Do we realize the wonderful blessing that this is? Or do we take it for granted?

Making records has always been important to followers of Christ, especially those in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Our leaders have always stressed the importance of keeping records of our own lives. For most of my life I disregarded this counsel. I don't like to write, and I am horrible at remembering to do things like this. I always felt guilty when Young Women's teacher would teach a lesson about the blessings and merits of writing in your journal because it would likely have been about a year since I had last written. One year at Girls' Camp, I decided to start writing in a journal every day, and it stuck. It really was a miracle that I was able to do it, that God was able to change my heart so quickly and completely. Even though, at times, I write at such a late time that my entries are barely legible and sometimes incoherent, it is a wonderful thing to be able to go back and, in a way, relive past experiences. I am able to remember things that would have been completely forgotten otherwise. Not only does having a journal give me a record of things that have happened to me, but it gives me time to ponder and meditate about my day. Keeping a journal has been a huge blessing in my life. I only wish I had begun this habit sooner.