But I Don't Have Time

I was always a go, go, go type of person. In my first few semesters of college, I decided that I was going to be extra disciplined and worked out a crazy schedule so I would get to campus early in the day, go to my classes and do homework, and then get back to my apartment late at night. I felt like if I could eliminate all of what I considered to be wasting time, I would be happy. After just a few of these crazy days, I realized that not only was I not happier and more satisfied with myself, but I was exhausted. Then I read a talk from President Monson that changed how I approached my days. In this talk, he counsels mothers to be at "the crossroads of their children's lives" (for example, when they come home from school). It is at these moments that children are more likely to open up about what is going on in their lives and talk about their worries. As I read this counsel, I received the impression that I needed to be at the crossroads of my roommates' lives. I now spend more of the day at my apartment. There have been countless times that I have been doing my homework at my apartment when a roommate will come home and need to talk to someone. Sometimes their day has been great and they are excited to tell someone about it. Other times, they are stressed, overwhelmed, and/or troubled and I am able to be there to listen to them and offer comfort and reassurance. There are times that I have to set my homework aside in order to be there for these roommates, but I have found that Heavenly Father always provides in helping me to finish everything on time. I have learned through countless experiences that the purpose of life is to build relationships, and that in doing so, we find the greatest joy.