faith in all things

Today in Relief Society the lesson was on faith. Go figure ;) Anyway, the lesson was great in and of itself, but the comments shared were equally enlightening. As some women briefly shared their struggles, I stopped and counted how many serious life-changes I've had to deal with this past year. I came up with at least seven. But, it is good to know that I'm not alone. Not that I would ever wish any of my hardships on another, or hope that someone else has a rough time with life. However, it is nice to know that I'm not the only one struggling.

We talked about the destructive path of doubt, the antithesis of faith and hope. And how miracles do not promote faith, but they come as answers to faith. I realized that we all feel the same during our hardships, too. We all feel that "why me?" at some point(s) in our lifetime. For me, it's "but it was such a good plan," and I've had to stop myself and remember that it's not about my plan, it's about God's plan.

A couple of weeks ago I was reading a chapter from President Eyring's "To Draw Closer to God". The chapter is titled "Trials of Faith" and in it he promises that 1) there will be trials of your faith; 2) there will be opportunities to serve others, and; 3) we will see God again. As I sat in church today, with tears running down my face (and no tissues!), I remembered his words: "Please find out what it is the Lord would have you do, believe he has prepared a way for you to do it, and share what he's given you with others. As you do that, you will feel his love and you will become more like him. You will find joy and consolation, you will become sanctified by the gospel, and then you can go home again."

I must admit, I am feeling better about things. Not because things are easier. They're not. We lost the house, we're still looking for extra work, and Elsie insists on waking up at least three times a night... but our Savior has suffered more, and He has lifted the weight of my burdens from my shoulders. They're still there, and I don't know how long I have to endure them. But I do believe I've been given the strength to carry them. I am exercising my faith. *B