It's 1:25 in the morning and I awoke to a pillow soaked with tears...my tears....
Several weeks ago a sister from my ward called and asked if I could do her a huge favor. My response..."well...it depends on the favor"....I would do it no matter what but I was dreading it...especially since she's in the Relief Society presidency...
Her favor you might ask..."could you tell a few experiences on gifts that the Lord has blessed you with or when someone has blessed your life with a gift?" I responded with a "sure, I could totally do that...I was afraid you'd ask if I could teach a lesson." Dodged that bullet....
Throughout the past few weeks I've been thinking about this topic and nothing came to mind. I said a quick prayer tonight before I went to bed asking for help....and my prayer was answered...
Eight years ago, around this time I was packing my house in Tulsa to move to the grand state of Arizona. My husband Brent was already out here working while I stayed behind with my young children and packed. This move was so difficult for me. I was leaving my house...the house that held so many happy memories...where my children took their first steps...I was going to leave my friends and ward family...these were the people that helped me with my little ones and helped me to become a better person....
This Christmas would be different from those past. Brent flew back to Tulsa to help with the move and my wonderful mother-in-law also flew out to help us out. All my Christmas decorations were packed up, so the house seemed empty. I mentioned to Brent how strange it felt to not have anything up. I was very sad...Then the doorbell rang. Who could that be we wondered? They were the young women from my ward. These were my girls. I was their leader the year prior...They came in and put up handmade decorations on my walls..they were made with love and alot of thought went into each of them. Oh how that little gesture brightened my evening. There were many tears of joy and sorrow shed that evening. I will forever remember that experience and that gift that was given to me and my family...
My other gift...
Growing up in my household was very difficult. There was a lot of contention in my home and I felt as though something better out there was awaiting. As a child I lived in Washington D.C. and my family would drive to Maryland every weekend to visit my grandparents and family members. On those drives we would drive past the most beautiful castle I had ever seen. I told myself that I would someday enter the castle...That "castle" turned out to be the LDS Washington D.C. temple. When I turned 12 we moved to San Jose, California. I was leaving behind my extended family and my heart ached that I wouldn't be seeing them for a very long time ...looking back...that was the best decision my parents made. Several years after we moved, my parents divorced. It was one of the most trying times of my life. I had to make a choice between my parents and I chose my dad. Several years later as a senior in high school I met my future husband Brent at work. As we dated, I thought to myself...I think I'm going to marry him...I thought that was a silly thought since we were still in high school. Several years later we were married in the Oakland LDS Temple. That was the happiest day of my life..the day I was sealed to my eternal companion forever...death could never separate us..and our children would forever be with us... As the years went by, we were blessed with two wonderful children.
This other gift was the Lord's love for me. These experiences I have shared are the snapshots I have been reminded of this evening. He was there with me throughout the difficult times of my life and the happy ones as well. I will be forever grateful for the gifts he has given me...My eternal marriage...my children...Temples here upon this earth...and of course the gospel that makes this all possible.
When I awoke this morning I had the overpowering feeling that the Lord truly does know and love each and everyone of us. I have known this all my life, but tonight/this morning I have been reminded of it. For some reason I have been prompted to share these experiences and hope this has helped in some way.
Well I should be getting to bed..it's almost 3 in the morning and Joseph's excited to see Santa tomorrow morning...I wonder if he still believes in Santa..
Good night dearest family and friends....
BTW- Several years ago I had the opportunity to enter the D.C. Temple and it was a dream come true...
