The Happiest Person

Bryson was known for his outgoing cheerful countenance. He claims he learned to be happy by playing sports in high school. He now stands tall- at over 6‘3“. But when Bryson entered high school he was a slight 5‘1“.

His greatest love of sports was and still is basketball. Like his brother, he always had dreams of making it to the NBA and his dedication and practice mirrored such goals. He was granted a spot at the end of the bench on the Freshman B basketball team. He even squeaked out a spot on the Sophomore team. Following that season of basketball, his friend and he decided to play for the tennis team. Kids from previous years had reported it was a no-cut program and super fun.

In the spring of 2010, Bryson made history at Richland High School as the first person ever cut from the tennis program. Unfortunately, the same result followed with his tryouts for the summer basketball team; he was cut. Determined to not let these cuts define him, he joined the football team as a wide receiver the following fall. Throughout the season, a similar post-game report emerged each week -very little opportunity on the gridiron.

One particular game deep in the season our team had a commanding lead heading into the fourth quarter. As parents, we were delighted for the inevitable opportunity to see our number 20 hit the field. With 8:36 seconds to go in the game we saw Bryson on the sidelines warming up with his quarterback. This was the quarterback Bryson said he made look good in practice by catching all of his passes. Bryson would often replay those one-handed catches in the kitchen while I made dinner. Soon the quarterback ran onto the field. Bryson hit his helmet in support while standing there holding the football waiting for his number to be called. And that is where Bryson finished the game- where he began- on the sidelines.

We left for home as Bryson headed to the locker room with his teammates. A while later, I saw the lights of the old 4-runner that Bryson inherited when Brennen left for college coming down the driveway. My anger toward the entire football program and everyone involved intensified. It was raw momma bear anger! Bry came into the kitchen and I try to play it cool…

I failed… It went something like this:
I asked Bry if he wanted to hit something?
He said “No”.
“Throw something?”
He said “No”.
“Slit someone’s tires?”
With a smirk, knowing I was exaggerating my point, Bryson said “No. Mom, I’ve got homework to do.”
“You’re not angry?” I asked in near disbelief.
He said “No,” reveled in my shock and added,  “It sucked not getting an opportunity but I’m not angry.” He paused and coyly added, “If it’ll make you feel better, you can make me something to eat.” A full grin emerged as he was proud of his sly request for food knowing my momma heart would compensate in the kitchen for all of the injustices of high school.

In the following years, we talked more about his journey through high school sports. He explained to me that through the experiences of trying to play sports in high school he learned not to put his happiness in the hands of teammates and coaches who rarely had a kind or encouraging word. He told me instead he put his faith in the simple things- the everyday things-  like prayer, scriptures, and God‘s counsel. He said the simple everyday things allowed him to be happy- every day. He had figured out the choice to be happy was his own.

Bryson’s high school sports experiences cannot be summarized with one defining moment but rather countless little ones. Each decision sent him on a path away from or towards Christ. Sometimes the path seemed well marked and seemingly easy to follow and other times more difficult where steps to proceed were small yet well defined.

He explained the simple truth he chose to live by, “The happiest person in the room is the one who best understands and applies Christ’s Atonement to their life. For that person has learned to place their sins as well as their burdens at Christ’s feet. That person knows that true peace and happiness come when we choose to give our pains and afflictions of all kinds to Christ.“

-JC

As I reflect on these experiences today, I ask myself:
Do I often turn to Christ at the onset of my suffering? Do I instead delay receiving peace by trying to deal with or endure afflictions on my own?
Do I have a disposition to  do good continually?
Am I committed to becoming more Christlike?

Peanut Butter Oatmeal Sandwich Cookies

1/2 cup soft butter
1/2 cup peanut butter
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup packed brown sugar
2 XL eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups quick oats
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

Cream butter, peanut butter and sugars with an electric mixer on medium high for 1 minute or until fluffy. Hand stir in eggs and vanilla; don’t overmix. Add dry ingredients all at once and mix until fully incorporated. Add 2-3 more Tablespoons flour for high elevation. Scoop out approximately 30 1.5” balls of dough. For a richer flavor and smoother texture, form cookie dough balls, flatten slightly, and refrigerate or freeze until ready to bake.  Place on greased or parchment paper on an aluminum cookie sheet. Bake at 375 degrees for 9-11 min. Let cool while you mix up Peanut Butter Cream Frosting.

Peanut Butter Cream Frosting:
4 oz. softened cream cheese
1/4 cup soft butter
1/3 cup peanut butter
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
2 cups powdered sugar

Mix cream cheese, butter and peanut butter. Add vanilla, and powdered sugar. Mix until fluffy. Spoon into quart size freezer strength Ziploc until ready to use.

To make a sandwich cookie,

Cut a ¼ inch hole into bottom corner of Ziploc bag of frosting. Pipe frosting onto bottom of ½ of all cookies. Place another cookie on top. Let set. Share!

Chocolate Dipped Option:

Dip half of all cookies into melted chocolate almond bark, or 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips melted with 2 Tablespoons Crisco or coconut oil. Use dipped cookies as top half of sandwich.