I had an epiphany of sorts a few weeks ago. My mom invited me to go to an enrichment activity at her ward where they had asked everyone to bring some cookies for refreshments. My mom is a school teacher and didn't have the time or the energy to make cookies for the event, but she did have a tub of cookie dough she bought for a school fundraiser - so my sister threw some of that in the oven so we had something to take with us. After the speaker, we all went into the cultural hall for cookies. It was quite the sight - two big tables full of different kinds of cookies. Heart cookies, bar cookies, chocolate chip cookies, cookies with frosting and sprinkles, cookies with gummi hearts (this was just before Valentines), even some brownies and little mini-cakes. SO many choices - I could have easily gained 50 pounds that night. And there sat my mom's cookies - gingersnaps - no frosting, no sprinkles, no decorations, no fillings, just some plain brown cookies. And no one was taking them. After half an hour of weight gain and socializing, that plate of cookies remained untouched. I didn't even take one of them to begin with because there were so many other good options. When it was time to leave, I retrieved the plate and tried one of the cookies. They were actually really good. Better than some of the fancy cookies I had tried.As we were leaving it occurred to me how similar it was to a singles ward and by extension the singles scene in general. In the past I have noticed there are certain girls who always seem to be dating someone - or numerous someones, and I will admit I have fallen into the trap of wondering why can't I get dates like they can - why do I go a year, and sometimes two between dates? There must be something wrong with me. But, at that enrichment night, the most important thing I learned was that I am like the plate of plain brown cookies - I am really good - there is nothing wrong with me, and I have a lot to offer. Sometimes it is just hard to see that amidst all the sprinkles and frosting and chocolate chips. None of the cookies are good or bad, right or wrong, better or worse, just different. And someday, someone who LOVES gingersnaps is going to come along. I can't wait.
