The interesting thing about it, is that sometimes when we have lots of sunny days, we can't see the rays of the sun. However, when you have had a few cloudy days, when the clouds start to break apart, the rays of the sun shine through and are so easy to see.
Rays of the sun that I have noticed:
-The most important Son- our Savior, Jesus Christ. I have truly felt the strength of my Savior, through this year. Prayer has also been a blessing. I have felt my Heavenly Father helping me to turn to Him. One night, I was trying to talk to Grant and just couldn't quite explain myself. After he went to sleep, I felt very alone and helpless. I knew there was only one place I could turn. I dropped to my knees and began to pray. As I prayed, I cried... a lot. I needed help but felt that I had exhausted all my resources from all the challenges I had been through. I had given up everything that I felt was hindering me and taking my time, so that I could meet my goals of getting my life reorganized-- I deleted Facebook off my phone and Ipod, I started getting up at 6:30 to exercise and then begin my day, etc. I felt like I was never going to be able to get out of survival mode, which I can't stand being in for very long at all, and yet have been in for way too long! I felt like I would never be able to unbury my house from the time in survival mode. Anyway, my prayer was answered immediately, as Grant woke up, gave me a big hug, and then really began to listen. Not only did Grant hear me, he really acted on it. In the next couple of weeks, I saw him trying so hard. He started helping get the girls to sleep, did the dishes a couple of times, cleaned the girls' rooms, spent time organizing our upstairs, etc. It has meant more to me than he will ever know.
-I have had the chance to see what amazing friends, family, and ward family I am blessed to have. There is nothing like a year of back to back challenges to show you what your friends/family are willing to do for you. We had so many people who did very generous things for our family. However, there are 3 people who truly went above and beyond the call of duty time and time again. I honestly don't think we would've survived this year without them-- my Mom and my friends, Vanessa and Jen. They did so much for us during the last 3 years; through my achilles injury, my pregnancy, the birth of Calyssa, my tonsil sicknesses, my tonsil surgery, kids with broken bones, my wisdom teeth removal, etc. (They organized meals and services to be brought in, brought meals, watched our kids, took our kids places, cleaned for us... the list goes on.) They are absolutely incredible people, who I am so blessed to know!
-Being thankful for the simple things in life- our home, Grant's job, our children, having a husband who loves me, etc. And for tender mercies, like personally knowing my ENT so I didn't always have to go in to get care, and could get the medications I needed immediately to stop the severe pain.
-This year has taught me so much! I am definitely stronger because of the challenges I went through this year. In fact, blessings I didn't even imagine came because of this year. In fact, I think all of us are stronger. I am thankful for all that I have learned this year and especially for all the rays of sunshine in my life!
2 comments:
You deserve an award! 2 kids brings me to tears sometimes..so much to clean, cook, and wash!
Hang in there..
Phew! You survived an excruciating, exhausting year! It is amazing to see the slew of blessings amidst and as a result of trials. Thanks for sharing your experiences. Here's to a healthier, less insane year ahead!
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