"Back Then"

I'm sure most people have never heard of "Back Then" before. It's a game our children made up, and they named it "Back Then" . It goes something like, they dress up as pioneers and pretend to be void of all the luxuries that people "Back Then" didn't have. :) Well, today I got to totally play "Back Then"! On our Trek for youth conference. ;) Yes we did one of those Pioneer Treks. I have to say, it was fun, and I enjoyed it! But then I was a leader, and the leaders didn't have to push the cart. However, I did come away with a few impressions.
First: The Pioneers crossing of the plains was a great Blessing for them! Now I know that I am looking on the glass more than half full side, and quite overlooking the children's bloody foot prints in the snow! Of course, aside from that, I just thought what a blessing this must have been for them! While they are crossing the plains, sacrificing and struggling, helping each other and watching out for all in the company... What other way could they have formed such strong ties and bonds, not only with each other, but with their God??? When they have tasted the death of their loved ones and been so desperately close to it themselves, and finally make it to the end of their horrific journey, to find open arms waiting with food to feed their starving mouths, and blankets to ensconce their tired souls. With somewhere more to sleep than a wagon or the ground and the absolute relief of having finished! What could be closer to going home? What more powerful demonstration of the tender mercies of the Lord could you find, than actually falling into his arms? I say, Blessing! But then I begin to get a taste of my own opinion when the thoughts like, "Hmm. Sounds similar to your trials"....start coming into my mind. I KNOW! I KNOW!
Second: They (I believe) had more abundant opportunities to taste the sweetness of life. As I was walking I had no urgent responsibilities on my mind other than, well, walking and moving the cart along. As this was a menial task, I had time to think! Yes! THINK! Reflect! On things, life, pray, and think some more!! This NEVER happens! There are always a million things going on!!! There is TOO MUCH going on!! Crying children, schedules, meals, diapers, meetings, messes, lessons, maintenance, shopping, e-mails, phone calls, texts, activities, the list goes on and on!! You know what I'm talking about! There is SO much! Unless I schedule an appointment, I don't get time with my brain! But I did! And as my mind wandered, it began to reflect, and remember the sweetness in life. The things that really matter. Family, people, relationships, not just with those I know, but just with everyday interactions. Those 5 beautiful little faces that look up to me in every sense, and my Husband. My family, and those people around me whom I may serve. I could see now. I already know this, but at the moment, I wasn't being blinded by all these other preoccupations and the computer screen/I-phone right in front of me! Too often it seems like the sweetness in life gets in the way of all the other things that I have to do and am doing, when really, it's the other way around. And I forget. It's so easy to forget! But today while I spent time with my thoughts, I remembered, and I admired the Pioneer's menial tasks and enjoyed them while I had that time. All the while praying that I can do better to remember the sweetness in life! Our Stake President spoke, and he said, "The most important experiences happen everyday." It's so true! The sweetness of life is before me everyday! It all just depends on me answering the right call. Seeing the right things! Yes. I enjoyed the trek, and am thinking I might look into arranging one for my own family. I think it would be a wonderful experience! Wanna join? ;)