The Scarlet Letter

So, yesterday in English class we started reading the Scarlet letter. As most people know, I absolutely DESPISE reading! But, I figured, it will probably be a grade, so I should make an attempt to endure the torture of reading it. Chapter 1, even though it was only 1 page was HORRIBLE. I never wanted to pick up the book, But, the better part of me decided I needed to. So, I did. Chapter 2 was rough, it was long. But then I got to Chapter 3. And I knew I liked this book already! It reminded me of Easy A  (Yes, the movie! I know- shameful.) Anyways It got me thinking. This past week in English we have been talking a lot about different religions. I feel blessed to inform you, that it was a great Missionary experience! I got to explain some false rumors about our Church to one of my good friends, Alec. I am so thankful that she listened and she cared. She was so easy to talk to, AND she asked questions! Dream come true for a missionary, I know. Anyways, it got me thinking a lot about school and seminary. Freshman year I used seminary as a homework hall, or nap time, with the occasional(or more) social hour. I took it for granted and just went through the motions. Well, Sophomore year was better because I LOVED D&C. I feel like I learned a lot. So, this brings me to sacrifice. I think about how late I stay up, doing homework and getting ready for school, then I ponder the time in which i awake from my sleep at a mere 4:59 AM. I know, a weird time! And then I asked myself, "why on Earth do I do this" and then I get a nasty feeling. I know it is the right thing to do. Our Education gets to go with us in the next life! I need to take advantage of that! (especially while it is free!) And then seminary is such a blessing. I get to start of my day by furthering my knowledge of the true church. How much better can life get? Then I think of my friends, and I almost feel sorry for them. They don't get that opportunity. A wise man once told me the hardest thing in life - pertaining to the church - would be to bring your friends unto Christ. And he was right. I am so willing to share my testimony with a complete stranger, because i know I will never see them again! But a best friend, PSHHHHHHHHH forget that! I feel embarrassed and awkward. Almost ashamed, and it's not because I don't have a testimony, because i do, it's that I am to scared t=of being judged, or potentially driving a block between a friendship. So, to drive this all home I am so grateful that school and good friends have allowed me to be able to speak up of my Beliefs. Reading the Scarlet letter, and seeing how having a child out of wed-lock was such a sin, amazed me. If you look in today's society, I think that is SO common! And looking back in time, that scares me! I can't even imagine what the world will be like in 100 years... It feels as though life would be nearly impossible. So this is for you Alec, I love you <3