Hourglass

So I haven't put anything new up for a while and this picture is an explanation of why. My schedule has been less than normal the past few weeks and my thoughts have been undoubtedly preoccupied with Manon. Something that I am learning through all of this is how to be who I need to be, where I need to be, and when I need to be. This may sound confusing but I think it is something we all learn when we become so encompassed by either a project we are working on, or a trial we may be going through. For me it has been finding a balance between opera, school, church, and relationships. I have never had a hard time finding this balance until a few weeks ago when I realized while listening to friends and family my thoughts would trail off to the "second measure, third system, on page..." and I would lose complete focus on what they were saying. When this happens it is not only frustrating to me, but to those who are talking to me. I realized that I needed to "be in the moment." I like the song by Mindy Gledhill called "Hourglass." Life is an hourglass, and as important as this opera is to me right now, it is not the only reason for my existence, and I will not be performing it forever. However, the relationship with family, friends, and God will last forever, and each grain of sand that falls through my hourglass is a moment that could be used to strengthen others and not just me. I love singing, it is one of the most gratifying gifts that Heavenly Father could have given to me, and I will use it until the end of time, but my ultimate wish is that it will not only be gratifying to me but to others as well, and that they can feel the Spirit through me. It is necessary to set aside a moment now and again to really remember who you are and what your purpose is. Just as it is necessary to take a look outside of yourself and see those around you who may also be so caught up in their problems, and help them find a way out. Sorry for the novel, talk to you all soon.