Perception.

Well, I've been terrible at updating this blog.

This is the first time in almost a week that I've been able to sit down and take a breather. What does that mean? It's also the first time I've sat down this wek and said, "I really want to watch some TV!"

I really really want to watch some TV right now. Really.

But, I can't. I guess I'll just have to pick up another book to read! I just finished one a couple days ago, so that's one good ting that's already come from Lent! People have periodically asked me over the past week why I'm doing it, and I just have to explain that it's something I want to do! It's helping me to get other things done that I otherwise wouldn't have.

I have a confession to make. I've been wasting more time online, and I've still been terrible at journal writing, reading my scriptures, and grading papers for my TA job.

But, I came across a scripture in the book I was reading, that got me thinking about the use of my time here on this Earth. In the book, a father lovingly teaches his son not to waste his time on Earth, and quotes the parable of the unprofitable servant in Matthew 25: 14-30.

For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods. And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey. Then he that had received the five talents went and traded with the same, and made them other five talents. And likewise he that had received two, he also gained other two. But he that had received one went and digged in the earth, and hid his lord's money. After a long time the lord of those servants cometh, and reckoneth with them. And so he that had received five talents came and brought other five talents, saying, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me five talents: behold, I have gained beside them five talents more. His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord. He also that had received two talents came and said, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me two talents: behold, I have gained two other talents beside them. His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord. Then he which had received the one talent came and said, Lord, I knew thee that thou art an hard man, reaping where thou hast not sown, and gathering where thou hast not strawed: And I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth: lo, there thou hast that is thine. His lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strawed: Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury. Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents. For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath. And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

I've pondered on that the past couple of days, and have wondered whether or not I have spent my life truly developing those talents God has given me. There are so many things to do, to accomplish. But, what is most important? When I meet God again one day, will I have to confess the one talent he gave me, or will I be able to say I developed it, or them i the way He wanted me to?

I've spent the better part of the week chasing down sources for stories and writing them, and also trying to get the rest of my schoolwork in. That has been profitable in itself. But, there are times when I have just lazed around and not really dome anything, even with all I have to do. While I know I should run faster than I have strength, I know I have gifts that I can use to benefit my fellow-men.

I was watching an I'm A Mormon video the other day, where the girl in it, Lisa Adachi, said, "service is not just a series of acts, but a lifestyle." It was then that I realized what has been missing in my life. I need to do more service. I need to serve others with what I have been given.

On Saturday, I covered a story in the projects in Provo, where they were hosting a safety awareness event. The people there have so little, and have so many issus to deal with, whether financially, emotionally, or physically. It was a somber reminder that there are so many people in the world who need help. When I went to cover a story on BYU basketball's Coach Rose, we talked about the charity he's hoping to win some money for. I met Natalie, a girl who benefits from the foundation. She had brian cancer, and is currently in remission. Though she has some physical deformities, she was still so upbeat and determined, and wanting to help others who are going through the same thing.

I'm slightly ashamed of myself. How can I be preparing for Easter, for the celebration of God's greatest gift, when I'm not doing anything myself to live just a little like he did. That's something I intend on changing.

So, what kinds of service do you participate in? What brings you true happiness? (These aren't rhetorical questions!)

Coach Rose, with his wife Cheryl, along with Dana and Natalie.