trials … miracles

“The more difficulties one has to encounter, within and without, the more significant and the higher in inspiration his life will be.” ~ Horace Bushnell

You know the days when you hear about hard situations or tragedies people face? It puts things in perspective in my own life and I rally my spirit to keep a goin’ through all the challenges of the small and simple things that add up to a mountain of frustration. (did that make any sense? … mostly I’m a-sayin’ that I realize my hardships are not tragedies at the moment … the hardest things I have right now are all the tiny frustrating things that all pile on top of each other – often at the same time. I know I need to realize my blessings).

But … when I hear about a pregnant mother of 8 or so (all under 18) who just learned she has stage 4=terminal breast cancer and might not live until the baby is born… my heart is sad for the challenges and heartache they as a family will experience. For a year, I’ve followed the story of the valiant and courageous young mother raising her 6 adorable girls since their father unexpectedly passed away from heart problems. I pray for strength and comfort to come to these good people who are enduring really hard things.

What to do? I don’t know.

What if I was that mother knowing I had 2 months or less to live? What would I do different with the kids? What would I let go of? What would I focus on? How would I cope? How would my kids cope? So many things. At least today I tried to appreciate the snuggles and positive moments with the kids.

My go-to leader on Faith in Adversity is Neal A. Maxwell. He was faced with 7+ years of cancer while trying to be a husband, father, grandfather, apostle, etc. His messages interest me. Today I read through a bunch of talks from him. He doesn’t say that life was meant to be easy… more like… life is a tutoring experience that some times isn’t meant to do with one hand behind your back – it’s hard! But always he focuses on how much the Lord loves us enough to give us the perfect life experience to help fulfill our purpose. He teaches that the Lord strengthens us as we keep our faith strong and hold on firmly to gospel principles and teachings.

Here are a few of my favorite quotes from him:
PDF of Scriptures and Neal A Maxwell Quotes

Along with trials, today I’ve thought about miracles. So many times I think I pray for miracles to happen for us and for others. Selling homes, situations with difficult children, pregnancy and healthy baby wishes, health and wellness for those who are ill, $$ bleh-blah, infertility, finding employment, etc…

But today I’ve thought about how sometimes the miracles we receive are much different than what we anticipated or wanted. What if the miracle is not for the cancer to miraculously go away… what if it’s that the family will somehow be able to pull together and endure well the rest of their lives. … to be able to find joy once again. What if the miracle is not for children to be perfectly behaved… but for the parents to be able to know how to best help them… and be filled with love and patience. etc… etc…

When I think of all those things happening to me and my family, it’s harder to be filled with that faith and confidence. sigh… I know I have a lot to learn about life. I selfishly want life to be easier and not filled with such challenges. I know it’s important to build those reservoirs of faith for when times get really tough (which I guess is why I feel compelled to research this topic). … sigh… Mostly I think I need to do better at enduring well instead of merely surviving.

I guess I just don’t have all the answers… but my final thoughts… God loves us so much and watches over us… no matter what.