I’ve been thinking of how many out there don’t have all the things that I am so blessed to have or been able to have the experiences that I have been able to have in my life and my heart goes out to them. I wish every person on this planet was able to know what it’s like to have someone to love and be loved by, to go on family trips, to be able to read and write, to sit by a cozy warm fire when it’s cold outside, to have a camera to take photos and videos to remember memories by, to have a pantry full of food and not have to wonder where their next meal is coming from, to be free to choose what they believe in, to feel safe when leaving their home, the list could go on and on.
I was telling Ben this morning how there are so many people and things that I am grateful for that it is overwhelming and almost paralyzing that I don’t know what to share. And I don’t look at sharing something as a thing to check off but I really want it to be heartfelt and intentional.
One thing that keeps coming back into my mind is this: “We can even give thanks for our trials from which we learn the things we would not know otherwise.” ~President Russell M. Nelson
One thing I come to know over and over is that if we all were to hang up our trials on a clothesline and really see what each and every person is going through in this life, we would be shocked and surprised at what others really deal with day in and day out. We would see all the things behind the smile of our neighbor and we would never want to judge another person because we would have a glimpse into what life really is like for them. And then if we had the choice to pick out our trials, it’s my belief we would all choose our own, the ones we have been through or will go through.
One of my best friends always shares the quote about how, “There isn’t a person you wouldn’t love, if you could read their story.” And how true that is.
So today, I am grateful for those that have really “seen” me and listened to my story, that have been angels here on this earth in my life when my life was too much for me to bear. You all know who you are. I am eternally grateful for all of you. I have had many people come in and out of my life and even if we don’t keep in touch as much now, I am grateful for each one of you and for the things that you have taught me. I believe that Heavenly Father is in the very details of our lives and nothing is by coincidence and I am amazed at the light that so many bring to this earth and have brought into my life. I am in awe of the resilience of people. I am grateful for so many that have shared their stories with me and allowed me to love them. I am grateful just to be able to be grateful and for the healing power that there truly is in finding things to be grateful for. Even in the lowest points of my life, I could always find something to be grateful for. And over and over the one thing that I could count on to be grateful for was my faith in my Heavenly Parents and my Savior, Jesus Christ. I know what it’s like to find complete peace in my Savior when nothing else could bring me the comfort and peace I needed.
#givethanks
Reclaimed Wholeness: Reclaim Your True Identity 