January.2011.Oliver

So, how do I connect?

Sunrise
Waking up early with a purpose.  Waking up early and working for a deep and specified purpose is like eating a solid breakfast, it engages the metabolism of my soul.

Working makes me hungry.
Work.  Working in the Priesthood or in the Spirit connects.  I only knew most of my companions for a few weeks and haven't heard from most of them since.  Still, they will be some of my closest friends till I die.  After building bonds on my mission through the Spirit and work, other methods don't hold.

Public Speaking
Public Speaking.  Every time I speak I feel grounded and connected.  After a speech or tour at Mount Rushmore or after teaching a class or after I talk in church, my passions feel unified and connected and I feel like a whole man; consistent, free from fragments, true to myself.

Not the best, but still inspiring words.
Reading the best and Writing.  Now, having forced myself through an English - Literature degree, I connect in quality literature as it expands me and helps me at times to see better in others.

Still
Still.  When I shut up, sit down, and withdraw all functions of life but feeling, I connect.

None of those kids are mine but my niece is in there.

Family.  I've got a good family.  I can tell they love me.  They teach me they do -- and that connects me.

Rexburg Temple
The Temple.  When I go in, I connect.  Simple and straightforward.  And it provides a quite literal connection as well.

Service.  I am connected and full when I get to help someone.  I am not sure why but serving humbles me.  It makes me feel no better than the person I may have helped out.  And most of the time that person really would have been fine without what I had done.  I don't think I'm that arrogant to really believe I'm always serving others.  Others more than I.  But when I pull it off, I feel connected to the true vine.