"You will have significant experiences. I hope that you will write them down and keep a record of them, that you will read them from time to time and refresh your memory of those meaningful and significant things. Some may be funny. Some may be significant only to you. Some of them may be sacred and quietly beautiful. Some may build one upon another until they represent a lifetime of special experience." Gordon B. Hinckley, 2006

Thursday, February 21, 2008

Thankful Thursday

I have been thinking today about how wonderful life is. It's not necessarily easy, but it is REALLY, REALLY good. With the knowledge that God loves me, I can get through anything. And I have. The past year I have really felt tried and tested, and there were some lows that were so low I didn't know if I'd ever rebound. But look, I did!

I've learned recently that it's really easy to get discouraged and down on yourself. But it is also really easy to find the strength within to carry on. I love the quote, "When life gets too hard to stand, kneel." I think I really learned that one in a hard way, but I'm so grateful for this lesson learned. I've come to know and feel God's presence in such an intimate way, and I would not trade it for anything.

I feel like now, more than any other time in my life, Heavenly Father has given me a blessing to see people through his eyes. I am really learning to love others, and it's helping me overcome my pessimism. I've been praying for the power of discernment, and to have more love and forgiveness in my heart so I'm not so easily offended. I think because of a recent, very painful experience that I had, my self esteem has just been really low, and it made me really insecure. I'm realizing that this can be overcome. It has to be a conscious decision, and it involves listening to the Lord instead of the ugly whisperings of Satan.

I'm reading a book right now called "The Traveler's Gift" by Andy Andrews. It reminds me of another book I read recently called "The Ultimate Gift," but I think I like this one even better. There are so many little gems of wisdom. This morning I read this:

"I will now and forevermore silently offer my forgiveness even to those who do not see that they need it. By the act of forgiving, I am no longer consumed by unproductive thoughts. I give up my bitterness. I am content in my soul and effective again with my fellowman.

I will greet this day with a forgiving spirit. I will forgive those who criticize me unjustly.

Knowing that slavery in any form is wrong, I also know that the person who lives a life according to the opinion of others is a slave...Their scorn does not affect my attitude or action...I know that criticism is part of the price paid for leaping past mediocrity."

I admit I'm a slow learner. It's taken me way too long to learn this lesson. I guess I'm still learning this lesson. But I think I'm finding peace. I'm learning to try my best, and not put so much stock in what other people think of me. I'm trying to give others the benefit of the doubt. I know the pain of unfair judgement. I will not judge others. I will live life with a smile on my face and a song in my heart, because life is beautiful. People are good. All of them. There is kindness and goodness at the core of every soul.

22 comments:

kasi said...

Beautiful!!! I think you and I were/are on the same wavelength today. I loved this post. thank you.

kasi said...

PS Our Bishop gave a talk on judging Sunday. It was not harsh, but lovely. I love the last line of your post. I want to frame it and put it on my desk or above my mirror. A second thanks...

Marcie said...

Beautiful! Thanks for sharing.

Matchbox Mom said...

This was a very good post, Wendi! I really felt like I needed that today. It's good to love everyone and be grateful for the ride...

((hugs))

Laurie said...

I have seen you comment on other blogs and I have been here a couple of times before. Thank you for this post! I have been struggling with this in my life this past year. I am really interested in reading these two books now. I'm sorry to lurk on your blog. The part I love about blogging though is finding answers to trials in my own life. Thanks for sharing your testimony and your experience.

Carrie and Troy Keiser said...

You are always inspiring to me and I so enjoy reading your posts. They make me want to be better and do better. My heart goes out to you, learning that you have been experiencing these trials. Those with the most to loose are tried the hardest! CHin up my friend! I have faith that you will walk through this refining fire and come out on top!

kay said...

what a great path to follow. i love how you said you are learning to try your best and not put so much stock in what others think of you. i have the same problem.

thanks for putting a smile in my heart this morning! :)

Heidi said...

What a great reminder!

This will be my driving force today! :)

Don Mills Diva said...

Thanks for this today - things are rough for me right now and this gave me a lift...

Desiree said...

Seriously what a way to start my day. Thanks. How powerful is his last sentence "criticism is part of the price paid for leaping past mediocrity."

Wendi said...

Wow! What an awesome post! Thank you so much for sharing. I will have a different outlook on the rest of my day. I will also be buying 2 new books...Thanks again!!!

Cecily R said...

Thanks for the nice reminder to be happy with what I have. Today, trust me, I need it.

Anonymous said...

Thank you so much for sharing this deep deep inspired thought and insight. I love the Ultimate Gift. Forgiveness is something I think we all have to continually work on. Not only to forgive other, but even our selves.

Lauren in GA said...

That was so beautiful. I am so sorry that you have had some trials recently, but I am grateful for your example of turning to Heavenly Father for help. I struggle with wondering what people think of me...and usually they are supposed to be my friends and end up being very hurtful.

Thank you for this beautiful post :)

Lisa-Marie said...

Your blog is always so inspiring and I appreciate your example. Thank you.

KATE said...

Loved it! Thanks!

Megan said...

This is a wonderful blog entry. I will need to read some of those books. I have been reading If life were easy it wouldn't be hard by Sheri Dew and it is amazing. Thanks for the postive post and the great reminder we all need.

Holly (2 Kids and Tired) said...

Beautiful post. You echoed thoughts that I've had. Thanks for sharing this. I needed it.

Janice {Run Far} said...

What a fun blog, I am just blog hopping, hope you don't mind. Have a good day-

raising4boys said...

I love that quote too; "When life gets too hard to stand, kneel."

Thanks for the reminder. Isn't it great that we have the gospel to help us?

Have fun at the museum! I think it will be good to go on a Monday; Friday was crazy busy!!

Nat Nat said...

Great post. Thanks for sharing it. I know we haven't met but I love to hop over and read your blog. You are so inspiring. I read the things that you so beautifully write and I am always uplifted. I admire so much the things that you do for your kids. You are the kind of mom that takes the time to be with them and to enjoy them. I need to be more like that and need to be more thanfull for what I have each day and less busy running off to the next thing all the time. Thanks again.

Tari said...

Just blog hopping, What a beautiful post! I was needing something uplifting today! and btw I painted my family room red once, everyine thought I was crazy but I just loved it! I think it looks great in your home as well!