we all have those moments in our lives where we feel lonely. lost. hopeless. sad. at least i’d like to think i’m not the only one. this year i had a good number of months feeling that way. they were miserable. almost unbearable. and i would pray every day for something. anything. a change. mainly in my outlook on my life. to feel truly happy with myself.
this weekend it hit me. i was driving home after dinner and a movie with a friend, and i saw the moon. it was HUGE! i mean, larger than normal and just a sliver short of being full. it shone so bright and close to the horizon, i could hardly take my eyes off of it. then i noticed the stars…very shiny and bright too. the skies were completely clear.
…it was a strange moment. i felt the need to turn off the radio and enjoy the rest of the drive home in peace with this magnificent moon right in front of me. a wave of gratitude overcame me as i suddenly, in this obscure moment, became aware that my prayers had been answered.
there hasn’t been one THING or EVENT that magically made things better for me. and i even often wondered how long i would have to wait for things to start to look up. but this moment made me realize how blessed i’ve been. it made me recognize the little things that have been happening the last couple of months. and that my Heavenly Father was indeed answering my prayers in His way and His timing.
“by small and simple things are great things brought to pass” (Alma 37:6 – one of my FAVORITE chapters in the Book of Mormon)
…little things can build to make GREAT and marvelous things happen…like an uphill climb. but at the same time i’ve learned that if those little things are negative or not the best, they can also build until you find yourself in a great hole…at the bottom of the downhill climb. either way, the little things always matter.
you know, i became even more aware that God is aware of ME. and that he answers prayers. and that i don’t feel how i used to anymore. i’m excited about life! but it required work and change on my part.
some people are embarrassed or ashamed to get all “churchy” around others. it’s not exactly dubbed the “cool thing” to do. but you know what, i don’t care because THIS HAS CHANGED MY LIFE! and something like that is worth sticking by and not being ashamed of. it’s also worth sharing.
1 – i am grateful for inspired church leaders. lately they have been more than a blessing to me individually.
2 – if i’m not reading in the scriptures everyday and applying them to MYSELF – guaranteed i will not be who or where i want to be in my life. along with the Bible, i know the Book of Mormon is the word of God. no doubt in my mind about it. the peace says it all.
3 – i have re-learned that when i make time for God, He makes things work out for me. Even if it is just giving me more faith, patience, or understanding in my trials.
4 – people who uplift you, are honest with you, and care about you are worth keeping around. including those that may say something you don’t WANT to hear and it upsets you…because deep down you know you need to hear it.
5 – keeping good relationships with family is important. most often parents DO know what they’re talking about. listen.
6 – you gotta give a little to get a little
7 – i love teaching my sunbeams at church (3-4 yr olds) – at first i wasn’t too crazy about it. their attention span is next to nothing! but i’m very attached to them now. i LOVE them and they teach me so much every week. little children are so pure.
8 – i really don’t know what this list is. i’m just putting down my thoughts as they come…
9 – i DO deserve much more than i often thought
10 – sometimes i’ll pray for something – but i push it or become so persistent that i convince myself it’s what God wants for me. i learn the hard way that it’s not. i’m learning patience and to accept the Lord’s timeline for ME. don’t push things. we’re all different. comparison is the devil’s trick.
11 - MY FLIGHT TO ITALY IS PURCHASED!!!!!!!!!!! now i need to finalize my trip itinerary. i’m. so. stoked!
12 – i’m getting very anxious for my trip to Utah the first week of November – there are so many people i’m overdue in seeing. and so many big hugs i can’t wait to give.
13 – i took my 62 year old mother to Zumba with me this weekend. it was entertaining! ….she loved it.
no more numbers for now…
love, whit
moments of bliss are rare and more wonderful because of that c
that is a good outlook to have! it’s true…one cannot know sweet without the bitter.
Can I just tell you how much I look up to you right now?! I feel like I am going through the exact same thing. lonely, lost, hopeless and sad. Its hard to see the positives when the negatives wont get our of your way. Being LDS definitely helps me a lot because there is so many places to turn for answers.
Yesterday I was at church and this thought occurred to me out of the blue. We say we are a witness of Jesus Christ and his teachings. We say we are a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of latter day saints. We say we have a testimony of the gospel and we say we love our prophets and apostles. but then for me, I sulk back and wonder if there is hope for happiness in my life. Or will I ever met anyone worth wild to want to marry? The entire message of the church is hope and faith and knowing that there is always something better out there for us if we keep doing what were supposed to. Its a promise!!!!! Nephi never complained if he was going to ever meet the love of his life. He was too worried about spreading the gospel.
It just made me think, I am not being who I say I am if I don’t even embrace the simple truth that my testimony is based around… Faith.
“Remember Lot’s Wife” by Jeffrey R. Holland is the best talk. I read it a couple days ago and it seriously made me understand so much better why I am in this stage of my life. You will love it!
Anyway, have a great day and I am so jealous your going to Italy!!!!! Must know deets so post! ttyl
goodness, i totally spend too much time dwelling on “when’s it gonna be MY turn/time!?” and i think about what’s NOT happening for me at the moment that it destroys the enjoyment of what i DO have. you’re so right. it all points back to faith. and what having it ACTUALLY means. it seems to be so simple and basic….yet it’s something i find i always need to work on. thanks for that!
i will definitely look up that talk and read it today! thanksmuch for the suggestion!
hope you get to feeling better!! ..i see that you have the hasty head cold X_x
loves.
Loved your list! I’m glad you are doing better and finding happiness in the small things, you are such an example to me. I love you so much. I’m always so grateful for those quiet moments when the spirit speaks directly to your soul and it’s almost like all the haziness in your thinking is lifted and things seem so clear and “okay”. I’m excited to see you in a few short weeks! I have missed you!!
canNOT wait to see you. loveyoumuch.
this was much needed for me to read and just made me smile. a lot. i sure do love you!