A few weeks ago, I had the opportunity of
visiting my family while on break from University. I was able to visit
with many aunts, uncles, siblings, cousins, etc. As I have reminisced
those few weeks, I have great appreciation for my major. As some of you
know, I am majoring in Therapeutic Recreation. The major involves
psychology, biology, recreation, and events management. Therapeutic
Recreation allows for family and individuals to be strengthened socially,
emotionally, intellectually, spiritually, and physically through
recreation.
A few of my cousins
were fighting about an insignificant bump between themselves. As they
quarreled, I used our surroundings and equipment to produce a game. They
stopped fighting when the heard the word 'game.' We played games for a while,
and they kept peace. Something else I have seen in the last few years is
the growth of my brother. He doesn't seem to talk much. The ways I
have been able to talk to him is by having foam sword fights with him, beating
him in different video games, and rollerblading with him in the blistering
Arizona heat. I love the fact that recreation helps create environments
for growth. The thing I love the most about my major is the connection it has to my religion.
In 1995, the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints released a proclamation about families. My favorite part of the proclamation (and the part that we study as Therapeutic Recreation students) is as follows: "Successful marriages and families are established and maintained on principles of faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, compassion, work, and wholesome recreational activities." Did you read that?! Wholesome recreational activities! That is what my major is about.
As members of The
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we are also encouraged to have
Family Home Evening. Family Home Evening is one evening a week, usually
Monday. The purpose is to bring families together for gospel sharing and
activities. We are encouraged to have recreational activities because
they invite the family to be together and increase unity. To learn more
about the purpose of family home evening, the website is as folllows: https://www.lds.org/topics/family-home-evening/purpose?lang=eng
The family is central to the gospel of Jesus Christ. All that we do on
this Earth is to lead to better homes and families, which will be our joy in
the eternities. I am thankful for my awesome family. They do a lot
for me. I am thankful that I have had and will have great moments with my
family. I am thankful that I will be able to see my family members who
have passed on. I am thankful for Christ for making it possible.
My Family 2009
