A Tender Reminder

With November comes many things: cold weather, fall leaves, snow, and Thanksgiving. Unfortunately for me, November also presents a whole slew of assignments and tasks that all seem to come in the same two weeks. The other day it all began to hit me and I wondered if I could really do it all. I doubted whether or not I had the stamina to overcome everything that I would be faced with. Truly, my soul was weighed down with some thoughts of deep inadequacy.

After pondering over these things, I started to doubt my decision to take a seminary teaching course that I have been enrolled in these last few months. Not because I haven't loved every minute of my experience, because I have done just that. But because it was just one more thing to add to the "November Nonsense." And without getting too personal, I prayed fervently that I could receive extra strength and guidance during the upcoming weeks.

The next day, I was at my history teaching practicum at Timpview High School (the same school that I am doing my seminary teaching practicum). I guess I before I go any further, it would be good to point out that I have already had the chance to teach a few lessons in my seminary class, and had a wonderful experience doing so. Okay, now let's jump back to the story. Well, I was at Timpview working with the geography and psychology teacher that day, and when I was leaving for the day, I ran into one of my seminary students. She saw me and said, "Hey! There's the awesome seminary teacher substitute." I stopped and talked with her and informed her that I would be back in her class in the upcoming weeks. She informed me that she was no longer in the early morning section and how she was sad that I would no longer be her teacher. She then went on to tell me how how great she thought I was and how she was now planning on coming to the early morning section for those two weeks, just because I would be there.

Now I don't blog this story to say anything about my spirituality or teaching skills. But I do share this story to show how the Lord is always there to give us small reminders about our purposes in life. For me, when this young lady told me these things, it was a shot in the arm saying, "Yes. I can do this. And there's a reason that I am."

So what if I had not taken my seminary practicum this semester? For one, I would never have had the opportunity to reach at least that one student, and I would have delayed the joy that comes from teaching and blessing the lives of today's youth. I know that God is in control, and when he places you somewhere by His divine will, you go... and never question.

Although life may be tough at times, and the stiff winds of doubt and discouragement may rage across our seemingly tranquil souls; I promise that God will steady the ship if we ask in faith. By so doing, He will constantly be there reminding us that His "grace is sufficient for the meek."

The Last Good Picture?

A few years ago, I had a conversation with a good friend of mine who told me that he felt like he was getting better with age. And by better he meant that his looks were getting better as he got older. I hadn't known the man for that long, but he did have a rugged quality about him that made me say, "Yeah, I can see what the ladies see in you."

I pondered over that conversation today, due to an experience I had just yesterday. You see, good ole BYU emailed me a few weeks back and told me that my ID card had expired and that I needed to come in and renew it. At first I wasn't too upset about this, but then I remembered how much I liked my picture on my recently expired card. It was a good year for me when it came to taking pictures, and I didn't want to ruin a good thing. Well, yesterday came around and I was looking pretty fine. I mean, I hate boasting, but the hair was good.. my face looked solid.. and I just felt like this would be a good time to get a new picture for the ID card. So, with that confidence brewing deep within, I went to the ID center and took a new picture. A few minutes later, my card was produced and handed to me. What I then saw was both shocking and saddening. "What is that thing?" I exclaimed. As I studied the card in great length, I literally saw one of the worst picture's of me that I have seen in a long time. It was simply hideous. I looked pale, creepy, and completely sickening. It then got me thinking.. "When is the last time that I've taken a good photo?" I simply couldn't remember. So I shuffled through my old pictures and found a very dashing one that was taken back in March. Seven months without a good picture!! That's right, people. Seven months.

The purpose of this post? While my friend is getting better with age, I am getting worse with age. Or at least my pictures are getting worse with age. I need to start practicing my smile in the mirror (like my brother does). I mean, we mock my brother for his practicing, but perhaps it's time for me to start. I really feel like this is something that I have to get figured out soon, because this is getting downright embarrassing and ridiculous.

(Attached is my last good picture. If you feel that the attached picture is not very appealing, then things are worse off than I thought)

In the Beginning..

Well, it's official. I'm a blogging man. Yes, many of you are probably wondering what Craig Williams has to offer the blogging nation. To that inquiry I say, "My quest is to share with the world my thoughts on life, love, faith, Neil Diamond, BYU athletics, and other random adventures." Will there be more? I suppose. But no matter what subject I cover, I can assure you a fun-filled ride. So let's all saddle up, begin with a slow trot, and then progress towards a full gallop of pure gaiety and good times.