change. life can change in an instant. it does all of the time. endurance. tribulation. we are here on this earth to learn and demonstrate our faith and obedience. "for after much tribulation comes the blessings. wherefore the day cometh that ye shall be crowned with much glory" (D&C 58:4).
when tragedy occurs, my eyes are opened a little wider and my senses seem to be more keen. recently there have been a few "tragedies" that occupy my thoughts and consume my need for personal reflection. these tragedies are tragic because every-day life has been disrupted. families are learning to cope without the presence of a loved one. disease has destroyed independence, self-reliance and quality of life. unforeseen accidents have told the story of risk and immeasurable support. even with the knowledge we have of eternal life, attempting to understand the message or the reason for certain events can prove difficult. having pure faith and belief in our savior and our loving heavenly father cradles my heart at times when i have nothing but questions and concerns. empathy for others can be exhausting as we put ourselves in their place, wondering how we would handle ourselves in similar circumstances. we dwell and ask ourselves: what kind of pain is being endured? how will they get from point a to point b? will their faith carry them through their sadness? will they recover? what about those closest to them -- how are they handling life?
"Wherefore, there must be faith; and if there must be faith there must also be hope; and if there must be hope there must also be charity" (Moroni 10:20).recently i read an article describing positive grief management. important reminders include: try not to focus on the pain; do not replay the "negative" (which would mean "sad") details of the event over and over in your mind. instead, focus on the progress, achievements, milestones in recovery, camaraderie of family & friends, heightened spiritual awareness, and the incredible impact that one event can have on many lives.
"Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulations; continuing instant in prayer; distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality...rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep" (Romans 12: 12-15).
as i wrap my arms around my little ones and rub my belly for my littlest one, tears flow quickly. in my sometimes silly emotional state, i can cry one moment and laugh the next. i do rejoice in this moment, knowing that life is a blessing and privilege in itself. i have hope for the lives of others, knowing i can make a difference, just a little at a time. how important it is to savor the here and now. to acknowledge all that we have. to give thanks for the love that surrounds us.
