“Time is the raw material of life.  Every day unwraps itself like a gift, bringing us the opportunity to spin a fabric of health, pleasure, and content and to evolve into something better than we are at its beginning.  Every passing instant is a juncture of many roads open to our choice.  Shall we do this or that?  Go this way or that?  We cannot stand still.  Choosing between alternatives in the use of time is evidence of one of the noblest of God’s gifts – freedom of choice.”
– Thomas S.  Monson

When we gifted the whole family with matching sweatshirts sporting “GO & DO” down the left sleeve, we talked briefly about making the most of our time and opportunities we encounter.  Some in the family are facing new opportunities in employment.  Others are making positive inroads in healthy lifestyles.  Grandchildren are focused on good friends and schoolwork.  And we’re all interested in making the most of our leisure time!

But my reality is that in spite of all that cheerleading,  I’ve had a hard time getting into a productive routine since we returned from our Christmas vacation.  The January slump has reared its ugly and lethargic head.  But no more!  The other day when I put on my Butler family “Go & Do” sweatshirt, I thought, “Yeah!  Just go and do – get a move on!”  After all that was the point of choosing that family theme. . .

• Exciting projects to complete – that headboard I thrifted a couple of years ago is just calling for some chalkboard paint in an awesome color
• Childhood memories to record – do you realize that in the 1960s it wasn’t against any law to put down the back seats of the station wagon, spread out some quilts, and line all 6 children up to sleep while driving non-stop from Michigan to Utah?
• Skills to learn – just beginning to crack the ins and outs of blog publishing with blurb using Grandpa Lou’s World War II stories
• Books to read – I’ve got a list going, but feel free to send me your suggestions of must reads
• Responsibilities to fulfill – Primary music time is so much fun with well planned activities and visual aids.  I’m compiling an arsenal of resources.  Music memory game, anybody?
• Family history to share – 10 years worth of letters we wrote while living overseas are still languishing in binders on the bookshelves downstairs
• Creativity to embrace – will this be the year I complete even a small quilting project?

*   *   *   *   *   *   *

I’m ready to use my raw material and freedom of choice to create full and happy days.

What are your plans?