A Great Way to Start a November 20th

So I did promise that I would start making an effort to write a blog entry about something good, positive and happy that happens in my life or in the lives of people around me everyday... And of course, today had to be a doozie of just the opposite. I have a HUGE essay due today that's worth a fairly large portion of my final grade. Now, out of true me fashion, I've left this sitting by the wayside and it's time to 'Pay the Piper' as it were. This as well as many other far more substantial concerns - which I won't share as it would be counter-productive to the purpose of this endeavor - weigh heavily upon my mind today.
But today I have three things that got me out of my bed this morning and right back in it again at the end of the day. As I was getting ready for the day, I looked into the backyard and there were two deer just chillin' and eating away. I ran upstairs so I could show my niece, and we just sat there looking out the window together looking at those two sweet deer. I thought about how amazing it was to be able to see these notoriously - justifiably - skittish creatures in their element. They're very calming animals to observe, if you have the chance I highly recommend it. It helped me step outside the busy day ahead and be grateful to live in the beautiful place that I do.
As the day went on, I found myself pretty low. Bogged down with the cares of the busy student and 25+ LDS Single Adult. So, I was able to receive direction through one of the most sacred ways possible. This direction was so poignant and powerful, it seemed to chase away the darkness that was growing ever more ominous and encompassing. It granted me insight within my own perspective and has challenged me to look outside myself as well. It would seem wrong not to include this as a highlight of the day - despite being as ambiguous as I'm being.
Finally, today I saw a sweet little elderly couple driving out of the parking lot of a medical center. I'm assuming man and wife in their late 70s early 80s. The wife sat small in their little compact car and gripped her frail hands on the steering wheel. I looked back at my rearview mirror and thought about what their story must have been. It's becoming more and more rare seeing these couples that go the distance and stay together. I imagined the depth of their compassion, concern and adoration for each other must be. Truly something that cannot be rushed, faked or purchased. I could see in their faces that love had taken root and intertwined them long ago, and the fruit of their selflessness, kindness and humility manifested itself in their faces.

Love; won't stop until I can.