Wow! This week has really made me take a step back and ponder my life. In this past week I have learned that one of our friends just recently had a Down Syndrome baby (which of course a baby is always a blessing but to think of the challenges they will face for years to come. . . ), a family member has lost his job and now has to find a new one, and then just today our neighbor's 2 year old daughter drowned in the pool. Dave and I drove by right after it happened, the ambulance was gone but the police were still there, and Dave right away said, " Oh no they have a pool." I was praying that this wouldn't be true but when the news trucks showed up a few minutes later I knew it was. It is hard to imagine what the family must be feeling right now. I don't think words could express it. I realized a little later that just on Sunday part of the RS lesson was about losing a child and how you will have the opportunity to raise them again after the ressurection. I left the lesson thinking, "I hope this isn't one of those lessons that I needed to hear for a reason. . ." These events have helped me remember something that I was just talking to a friend about a few months ago. We were sharing our stresses with each other and discussing how we could solve them when she said, "Just remember that as long as you have your family you will be okay." That is what is most important! My family will face some hard times but as long as I have them we will make it through. Justin might be out of control because he is trying not to take naps anymore and Isabelle might be fussy because she is finally getting teeth, and it can be a little frustrating at times, but I have them, they are safe and they are healthy. I am so grateful for the knowledge that I have of the Lord's plan and I am grateful to know that this family has the same knowledge. I can only pray that it will bring them comfort during this incredibly difficult time, a time that no parent wants to go through. These three events have helped me to put things in perspective and be grateful for the blessings that I have. We have so much to be thankful for even when times are rough and it is so important to remember those blessings to help us make it through. I am grateful that I am able to tuck my children into bed each night with a loving husband by my side.
Friday, July 25, 2008
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4 comments:
We are so blessed to have healthy & happy children. I have felt the same way lately. I've known of two other similar stories that have really hit close to home and helped me appreciate & soak up every moment we get to spend as a family. Even when it seems that there is so much stress, debt, or whatever I am reminded that nothing else matters. Everything else seems insignificant compared to the safety of those closest to us. Having the knowledge of the gospel puts everything in perspective and helps me push aside all the earthly worries that can consume my thoughts and realize what riches I have in my family. I'm so sick for your neighbor, I'll give you a call....
Jilynn, what a nice post. It's hard to remember our blessings when things go wrong. I said a prayer for your neighbor, I can't imagine anything like that!
I enjoy looking at your blog to see what you guys are doing. (If you don't know who I am... I'm Dave's cousin.)
Have a great week!
Thanks for sharing your thoughts! It's good to remember those important things. So true.
I heard about the drowning in my ward. My heart goes out to them. Thanks for the great perspective!
Also, I love your post from Bear Lake. We just got back from there. Hopefully I'll have my pictures up soon--love that place!
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