Runnin' with the MoTab

I took up marathon running as a hobby a few years ago. Along with the new hobby came a few new accessories: shoes, shorts, and an mp3 player just to name a few. Like many other runners, I found that music helped make the time I spent running a little more bearable. I was able to take my mind off any fatigue I felt running and enjoy some great tunes. I created a number of playlists that allowed me to choose different genres of music each time I went out; anything from rock-and-roll and alternative to dance and pop. The more upbeat and fast paced the song the better it seemed for my running. Music has always been a large part of my life, and I’ve always tried to select music which has influenced my life in a positive way. The combination of a good run and a good beat has always resulted in such a rewarding experience. During a rather busy phase of my training one spring, I decided to try something completely new with my running playlists. I decided to dedicate my listening during a two hour run to some music from the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. Up to that point in my life, music from the choir had always been played as a sort of background music on Sundays. Even as I began to run I couldn’t convince myself that this type of music would do any good in helping me keep my desired pace. Midway through my run I was able recognize the benefits of my music decision. Unlike the rush of energy I got from my fast upbeat music, the choir music helped provide a mental state much like that of an in-depth scripture study. My mind was in a different place, one that could be influenced by the spirit so much more. I continually recognized so many blessings that the Lord has given me and my family. A most memorable experience I had while running to the music of the Tabernacle choir came on a country road in the Ogden Valley. The sun was just barely peaking over the mountains; the horses in the adjacent pasture ran beside me in the crisp country morning air while all at the exact same time I heard the glorious climactic crescendo of a favorite hymn of praise. How could I be so lucky to experience such a sight accompanied by such wonderful sound. It wasn’t that the stars had aligned in any extraordinary way; but that my mind had been aligned and my thoughts prepared to appreciate and recognize the magnitude of the simple beauty that surrounded me. How grateful I am for these experiences and for wonderful music that reminds me to look to the heavens for direction and thanksgiving.

General Conference

The older I get, the more enjoy watching General Conference. This October conference was wonderful. Not that anything new was said that hasn't been said before, but the messages resonate differently within me based on life's current situations. How comforting is it to hear that continuing to persevere and live the gospel is the best answer for finding peace in our ever changing world today. I particularly enjoyed Elder Worthlin's message. It would do the world so much good if we were all able to control anger a little better and have more of a sense of humor about things. Sitting in the choir loft also adds a unique perspective on the logistics of conference. It is amazing to see so many people filing in the building with such reverence and to see them all exit in the same fashion; to be able to see a bit of the teleprompter and catch the brethren sharing comments off the script every now and again, and to see the producers sit and drive the production so calmly. It is an honor to be present. It is a blessing to hear the messages live. It is amazing how much more you can learn by reviewing the same messages a month or so later in the Ensign or on DVD. What a blessing to have leaders who have been called of God to lead and guide us these days. May the Lord bless them in all their efforts.