01/06/2025
10 Years Ago: Lessons from My First Trip to Alaska
10 years ago, I spent everything I had in savings on a plane ticket to Alaska. I knew two things: 1) I wanted an adventure, and 2) I wanted to marry Megin. Looking back, here are the lessons I learned during that unforgettable trip:
1. Trust
Every strong relationship is built on truth, which leads to trust. Megin and I spent hours on FaceTime during our long-distance days, sharing our lives and building that foundation.
2. Storytelling Matters
The best memories are in the stories we share. Today, we continue this with Hollandābedtime stories, prayers, and primary songs (yes, I sing now!).
3. Always Say Yes to Adventure
Megin has been on the go since day oneāhiking, running, exploring. Sheās always pushed me to embrace new adventures, and Iām grateful for it.
4. Be Present
As the country song says, āYouāre gonna miss this.ā On that trip, I knew I wanted to marry Megin. I still replay the moment we stood on top of Alyeska, looking out over the valley at sunset. Her bright green coat and multicolored beanie are etched in my memory.
5. God Is in the Details
Looking back, I see the Lordās hand in every step. His plan is always better than ours. I met Megin when I was 27, and the timing couldnāt have been more perfect.
10 years later, I canāt believe the journey weāve been on. Life isnāt always easy, but as President Russell M. Nelson said:
āThe joy we feel has little to do with the circumstances of our lives and everything to do with the focus of our lives.ā
When we focus on Godās plan and Christās gospel, we find joyāno matter what life throws at us.
Stay focused on what matters: Faith. Family. Fitness. Everything else will follow.