have been raining trials.
Just when we think things can't get worse - *Surprise* - they do.
I wrote to a friend this week, because I was feeling low, and just wanted to reach out to someone who could commiserate with me...
Her reply was not the comforting response I had been hoping for - instead, she poured out her heart too; that her husband had broken the news on Halloween night that he was being laid off - for the second time this year.
...That was only the beginning of a really bad chain of events for her.
There was more I would have liked to talk to her about, but after her story,
I just couldn't. She needed my comfort as much as I needed hers.
She is a strong woman of faith, and I knew that she would pull out of it - but there are times for all of us when we feel weak and lost and in need of something or someone to lean on.
She wrote the most beautiful blog today. It rings so true and touched my heart - just makes me glad I know her.
I went to visit my daughter at her college today - hubby took the afternoon off to go help her with her financial aid. Sitting there watching the two of them handle things in the office, I couldn't help feeling proud - she's coming out of her shell and learning to take charge of her own affairs - and my husband, who no matter how much he has on his plate, always takes time to help his kids.
I should be more afraid of his impending job loss, but because of the kind of person he is and the way he has treated people, folks from the past have come out of the woodwork offering him help when the time comes.
We may have to tighten our belts - a lot, but I think we're going to be OK.
We took her shopping afterwards, to one of those giant all purpose stores, to get some groceries for the week.
I can be a bit of a shopaholic, and am always on the lookout for the sparkle and bling no matter where I am. But as I looked around, I felt let down - I just couldn't see anything that I couldn't live without.
I really truly don't need anything - (I just wish so much that I could stop wanting things!) ^.^
I had the opportunity to go to South America after my son had finished his mission there. We stayed with a friend of his who I had come to know through email.
My eyes were opened to what a struggle those people have just to meet their most basic needs, and yet, I was so amazed at how happy they were, and how grateful for every little thing.
When that friend came to visit us later, I felt embarrassed at all the superfluous things I have in this house (Like the doll collection, and the scrapbook store I have accumulated in the basement.) I wished that I could hide it all so she didn't have to see how frivolous and foolish we can be when we have all we need.
When we got home from shopping, hubby packed up and left.
(Friday is his night to go take care of his invalid dad.)
He's getting so weary of this, (just because of everything else he's been dealing with and being able to spend so little time at home) that it's getting really hard for him to go there.
Having been through something similar, I try to remind him that even though it doesn't feel like it now, it really is an honor and a privilege to be able to serve his parents that way.
Looking back on what we went through with my mom - it still doesn't feel like I did enough. After all she went through and sacrificed for us, it could never be enough.
...After he left, it was just my oldest daughter and I. Friday nights are Ghost Hunter nights, so we settled in to be entertained.
One of the episodes took place in Cape May New Jersey. She got excited for me because this is a place I have been.
They mentioned Cape May Diamonds, and I told her I had some of those in my scrapbook - which she immediately wanted to see...
As I flipped through my book (the special travel one,) I couldn't help but think how lucky I've been to see all the places that I've seen.
Small town me, who never thought she would so much as cross a state line!
(I really do have a point to all this - I promise!)
...What it's taking me so long to get at is, that no matter how bad things seem, or how bad they may yet become, I really have had a blessed life.
I had a call from my youngest sis tonight, expressing concern over my upcoming procedure. (Biopsy this week.)
She always reminds me what an awesome family I have.
It is so true. From the oldest, to the in laws, to the youngest gran -
(OK, and maybe even the dog)
I love them all so much.
This talk showed up on my facebook page the other day, and it has been haunting me ever since - I just can't get it out of my mind.
It was given at General Conference last month, and touches close to the heart...
*Favorite quote;
"To express gratitude is gracious and honorable, to enact gratitude is generous and noble, but to live with gratitude ever in our hearts is to touch heaven.
Amen.
.
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