Ashton: "Can I interview you and write a paper on you for my college writing class?"
My response: "Sure! Stop by and we can chat!" (Deep down I hoped I would offer value to her project - was not sure what to expect!)
Before she could write the paper, she needed to present her topic and angle to her Professor. She introduced the theme of how it is possible to live a happy life even when there are struggles and challenges. She told her Professor she knew someone who lived with optimism and faith and her paper would focus on that.
Last week, we spent a couple of hours together - she asked if she could record our conversation and with the press of a button, our words were captured. Our time together was great! She added more value to my life than I think I did to hers! So thankful for her kind heart and desire to make a difference.
Yesterday, she stopped by to let me read it. It was a sweet moment and her words touched my heart.
Here's a little segment from the paper she titled:
It's a Choice
Wendy has come to know, that the happiness a person experiences and the life they
achieve is based not upon what obstacles they are asked to endure, but by the
way in which those trials are conquered. “The most powerful tool we have to
fight negativity is our mental capacity to see the positive and to share it!”
(Christensen).
Currently,
Christensen has the opportunity to influence young girls ranging from the ages
of 12-18 every week at church. As the Young Women’s President, she sees the
challenges these young girls are being asked to face and the strength they are
required to have to maintain a positive perspective. By helping them remember
not only who they are but who’s they are, she reminds them that they don’t have
to face anything alone. She gives them courage to face the world with their
heads held high and smiles on their faces. She teaches that the power given to
these girls by their Creator is more powerful any obstacle they face.
The decision to be happy ultimately belongs to
the girls, but it is a choice that holds more validity than any other choice
they will be asked to make. “Be the change you wish to see!” (Christensen). You
see what you want to see, you become what you hope to become, and you conquer
with faith. Life isn’t easy for any of us, no matter how it appears. However, I
have come to learn that if you face it with an eye single to who you can become
and with the decision of what you refuse to give up already made, there is
nothing you can’t do. Wendy Christensen has proved this, over and over again.
***
I thanked her yesterday for stopping by and encouraged her to keep writing! The entire experience made me smile and reminded me our moments matter and the way we approach life makes all the difference.
Choose happiness, choose faith, choose to see
and share the positive!
PS: Thanks for your kindness Ashton ... I appreciated our time together! I love all the good you do and the way you live your life with such confidence, clarity and conviction. The Lord has amazing things ahead for you! Walk tall, keep shining your light bright. Become the best you possible!
