2009

Have you ever reached the point when you think life couldn't get any harder or there's not room for one more thing to go wrong...then you hear of an old friend's recent tragedy, or a family members choice that seems to hurt not only themselves but everyone around them or you stumble upon a strangers blog and weep at their story of personal despair? Then you sit back and realize these trials that may be happening in my life don't even compare to what other's endure and as you're thinking this you get in touch with the old friend and she recounts her personal tragedy, asks how you're doing and in humility you tell her the truth and she says how she admires you and the challenges you're facing at the moment. It quickly reminds you of the love the Savior has for each one of us and how he knows us on a personal level and will never give us more than we can handle. You quickly become grateful for the current trial and see it no longer as a trial, but as a blessing you are experiencing it instead of having a tragedy like your friend. It's like a renewed strength you receive inside to keep going. Keeping praying. Keep fighting. Keep obeying so the spirit can always be your guide. It's in these moment's one realizes and appreciates gratitude. It's in these moments that I recommit myself to overlook the immediate and see into the future. To dream of life's blessing and strengths that are yet to behold. To allow the Saviors love to soften my heart. Thus, this year is a year of change. A year of humility and a year to "feel my Saviors love in all the world around me." Because it's there and bumps in the road can't stop the powerful feeling. Cheers to a new year and an opportunity to journal the tender mercies of the Lord as the spirit guides me in directions of recognizing His love.