My Life is a Miracle

Difficult times come to all of us.  There is no way to escape that fact.  What I have learned from those times is that God is real.  He knows us intimately and loves us beyond comprehension.  He wants to comfort us and to help us through whatever life may bring.  He wants us to find joy in life's journey.  I know this because He has been the friend who was with me every step of the way and in the ways that only those who have found Him know, He has held me in His arms and made His love known to me.  My life is a miracle and a testimony of the power and Atonement of Jesus Christ. 

Hidden Reserves

One Sunday I was at church and I was depressed.  I was having a really bad day and a friend came over and said, "You are going to be fine.  You are a strong person."  At first I thought, "Boy, she doesn't know me."  But later I wondered if maybe she could see something in me that I couldn't see and I would find myself saying "I'm going to be fine.  I am a strong person."  It was a while before that strength materialized and many other gifts and qualities, too.  I learned so much about myself because of the challenges I faced.  There was a lot more potential there than I had ever imagined.

Pain

We all avoid pain in any of its forms.  We would be crazy to seek it out.  Those who do are literally just that - crazy.  But it comes into all of our lives at some time or another and in some form or another.  No one escapes.  And it changes us.  It has a power to transform us into people of deep love and compassion.  It can be a great teacher.

The Playground

There is of course a big difference between the meanings of "fun" and "joy" but I purposely chose the word “fun” in the poem because it relates to the feelings of the child on the playground.  The child does not cower as she looks the obstacles in front of her.  She is drawn to the challenge.  It is fun.   And so I challenge myself to look at obstacles as fun, a chance to grow, a chance to discover hidden strengths, a chance to celebrate as I see myself tackle them and succeed - even if I have to repeat over and over until I do succeed. 

The Legacy

I have often thought it strange when we used to celebrate Pioneer Day even way out here in Michigan.   It is really a Utah thing - more a coming to the valley than an actual connection to the gospel itself.  But as I have studied the early history of the church, I have come to realize the great legacy left to us.

We often think of a legacy as something concrete that is left behind by one generation to the next.  So the Salt Lake Temple is a legacy as is the Tabernacle and it's great choir.  I find the less tangible legacies to hold even more meaning for me - they are more universal.  You don't have to live in the Salt Lake Valley to appreciate them.  It was during a challenge of mine own that I realized that the pioneer stories had a message for me - a legacy of courage and hope.

Looking Back

I don't know if you have ever had one of those times in your life where your whole world was turned upside down and you couldn't find a footing at all.  When that happened to me, the emotional pain was incredible.  But it was during that time that I learned to pray - really pray.  Instead of "saying" my prayers, I found myself talking to my Father in Heaven and seeking - no begging for help in my life.  I really needed Him. 

The weeks and months that followed that realization opened for me a beautiful time of communion with God.  In my scripture reading and in prayers and in meditation I felt His love and caring.  He guided me and stayed with me.  I knew I was not alone.  And having learned those truths, it no longer mattered what had happened to bring to me that point.  I was just so grateful for that wonderful spiritual journey that grew out of the pain.