Perspective

You know how every once in a while something happens either in your life or someone else's life that just puts things into perspective for you. It makes you stop and think, let go of trivial things and thoughts, and count your many, MANY blessings. I try to stay away from what I call 'soapbox posts' but sometimes certain things hit me and I feel I just have to have a record of them. Maybe I want my kids to know that I have some thoughts in this blond head of mine and I want them to know their mom has a testimony of our Savior and all the many blessings we have in our lives because of Him and because we believe in Him.

Today I feel my heart and mind overflowing with gratitude for all the many blessings I have in my life. I know that I have been blessed way more than I deserve and I only hope that I will share my blessings with those who come in and out of my life each and every day! I try really hard to be positive even when going through my trials but there are many times I ask, 'why me'? and 'seriously? what else can happen'? I really try to avoid the latter because unfortunately I have learned the hard way that it can always get worse. But, I have also learned that even though my trials are hard, it could be a lot worse. I'm so grateful I have my health, a healthy husband, and three healthy, happy (sometimes out of control) kids.

Last Saturday our Stake had a mini women's conference that I was blessed (thanks to Jim taking the kids for the morning) to attend. I LOVE this conference!!! I always come home refreshed and feel like I can take on the world again. One of the classes I went to was on scripture study. The woman teaching the class did an amazing job but there was one thing she said that really hit me! Okay, there were many but this one I really needed at this time. She asked how many of us look at our lives and think it really isn't what I thought it would be. In my head I was thinking, ME, ME, ME!!! Then she said, 'take a look at the scriptures and the prophets' lives. Do you think many of them turned out the way they thought they would?' As I sat there pondering many of the scripture prophets' lives, including Joseph Smith's it hit me really hard that many of them most likely didn't expect the things that happened in their lives to happen. But, they endured them, stayed close to the Lord and learned from them and moved forward. If they could do that surely I can survive my trivial trials. I am blessed because I know that I have my Savior to lean on when I am struggling. He made the greatest sacrifice so I can repent, feel peace and keep going. I know that I am NEVER alone! Even when I feel my loneliest. He is always there for me, all I have to do is reach out.

Another class I went to was called 'Let the Holy Spirit Guide.' The speaker talked about Saul's life and how he gave up his kingdom, his purpose, his greatness all for a couple cows. He feared the people and obeyed their voices and relied on his own wisdom instead of obeying the clear commandment the Lord gave to him. It made me think about what I am giving up for some of the 'cows' in my own life. I let myself get so caught up in the worldly, material things that I let the really important things fall on the back burner.

This women's conference and a few other things that have happened lately made me realize where my perspective needs to be. I need to focus on the essential, eternal things. The things that truly make me happy. Like, my family and obeying all the commandments fully, not just what is convenient for me or can be justified away. I am so grateful I have the Gospel in my life. I am grateful I am a daughter of a Heavenly Father who loves me and blesses me each and every day! I am grateful that I am blessed to know Him and my Savior.