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Today has been very trying, the details are unimportant, but I will simply state that my spirit started to break until I came upon these two quotes:
The first is from Carolyn Marie Brown a Facebook friend. "When a man's ways are pleasing to the Lord, he makes even his enemies live at peace with him. (Proverbs 16:7) So don't always try and win every battle. Sometimes we have to let go and let God do it His way. Do your best then let God do the rest! Know that the battle is not yours, it is God's! Just stay in the faith, stay calm, stay in peace . . . and trust God to fight your battles for you." I was about to go to battle with a member of my family of origins and what a great reminder that my role was to stay calm and peaceful and have faith that the Lord will fight this battle for me.
The second is from Gordon B. Hinckley: "Anyone who imagines that bliss is normal is going to waste a lot of time running around and shouting that he has been robbed. The fact of the matter is that most putts don't drop, most beef is tough, most children grow up to be just people, most successful marriages require a high degree of mutual toleration, most jobs are more often dull than otherwise. Life is like an old time rail journey...delays, sidetracks, smoke, dust, cinders and jolts, interspersed only occasionally by beautiful vistas and thrilling bursts of speed. The trick is to thank the Lord for letting you have the ride."
As mundane or even difficult this life has been, I am truly grateful for every moment of adversity, challenges and joy that have help mold me into the the woman I have become. I love my Heavenly Father and I love my life!
The other day I was about to enjoy a very casual lunch with my daughter Megan at Carl's Jr. with my youngest grandson Zack, we did our usual, setting up a table in the play area, so we can sit and chat while Zack runs around. Then we noticed her . . . an obviously mentally ill, black, homeless woman. She was sitting at our usual table and was talking nonstop to herself. I guess Mommy-radar kicked in or maybe I was just too paranoid, but I hustled Megan and Zack out of there quickly and we ate out in the normal dining area. I had talked to the Asst. Mgr. and she told me that the woman came in quite often and they just let her sit out there. I was struck by their kindness and realized that maybe I had over-reacted. I felt compelled to go out and speak to this woman and see if she needed something to eat. I quietly approached her and spoke -- she looked up at me with the most innocent, angelic eyes I've ever seen in an adult. She completely melted my heart and I felt true humility for having pre-judged this special, sweet spirit. Of course I bought her lunch, she really didn't want much more than French Fries, (she was trying to be very unselfish) but she got an entire combo meal. I am so grateful for this 2nd chance, for this lesson of humility, for the few minutes of being in the presence of someone I know has to be destined for exaltation.
