A Fantastic Journey

This year has contained happiness, joy, goofiness, and laughter. It has been laced with sorrow, pain, and growth. The lessons I have learned will never be forgotten, and the friends I have made are priceless. I have found myself, discovered the real Taylor after years of searching. There is more to be found, but I have come to love myself and be comfortable in my own skin. This more than anything is the greatest lesson I have learned this year.

But, like all journeys, this one has found it's end. I haven't even accepted the fact that it is over. It's so hard to fathom that this life I have grown accustomed to is about to end. I just barely found my niche, and now I have to start all over again. Taking a step into the dark is always the scariest thing, but for the next few years I'll need to get used to it. Moving up here was difficult, but doing it again? I guess I managed once, and I'm sure I'll live again, but it's so frightening. There are a lot of things that will happen this summer, and I'm sure not ready for them. Growing up is tough.

But today I'd like to write a tribute to all the good times. Here is a list of all the great things I have learned. It's been an amazing year!

1. I realized the value of eating healthy.
2. I learned that the craziest and most fun things happen at 2 am.
3. I learned just how much I love my family.
4. I found that taking time to cook a meal really is worth it.
5. I realized that winter quite literally never ends in Logan.
6. I discovered the special spirit that resides in the small older temples. :) You're never lost when you can see the temple!
7. I found that if you want your goldfish to die they will live FOREVER.
8. I have learned to truly value a beautiful day in the sun.
9. I have made two homes, one in Mapleton, and one in Logan. I'm always home, not homeless.
10. I realized that God shapes us and his hand is in everything.

There are so many things! But that's a simple list that works for me. :)

My friend Sarah shared this poem in her testimony today, and I fell in love with it.

The Weaver

My Life is but a weaving

between my Lord and me;

I cannot choose the colors

He worketh steadily.

Oft times He weaveth sorrow

And I, in foolish pride,

Forget He sees the upper,

And I the under side.

Not til the loom is silent

And the shuttles cease to fly,

Shall God unroll the canvas

And explain the reason why.

The dark threads are as needful

In the Weaver's skillful hand,

As the threads of gold and silver

In the pattern He has planned.

He knows, He loves, He cares,

Nothing this truth can dim.

He gives His very best to those

Who leave the choice with Him.

--B. M. Franklin

That sums up all my feelings much more eloquently than I ever could. But I'm so grateful for this year, and for my roommates, and for Heavenly Father's guiding hand in my life. Don't ever forget me guys, promise?