Thankful Thursday

I am finding it harder and harder to think of things to be grateful for, so that I don't find myself too repetitious. These days I find that I am very grateful to go through each day without yelling at my sweet and wonderful children for their small mistakes, or that I have the energy to do some of the things I need to do each day. When I look at my life, I see that I am completely blessed. I have a friend that I write to on occasion who helps me see just how blessed I am...

I grew up knowing her through my brother, because they were dating each other. Then when I went to YW camp in the summer she was one of the Youth Leaders. She was always so spunky, sweet and just an awesome person to be around. Little did I know that she was going through so much. For she decided to not put her sorrows on display for others. But to shine her light so bright that others would never had even guessed.

She is married (no, not to my brother) and has been able to bare her own children, despite all the complications. She lives each day now in so much pain. She could either spend each day being heavily medicated, but she has chosen to spend each day in the pleasure of knowing her children and husband and the joys that they bring to her. I have written her during times of chaos in my own life, but then I see her words, and almost hear her voice as I read them, and remember just what chaos and trials are.

I believe that there are different things that Heavenly Father sees fit to challenge us with. Each according to our strengths and abilities, and each time to test us, and push us a little bit more. To see how our Faith holds still. I do not wish or pray that I might be able to be challenged in those ways, but I do pray that I may have the strength and Faith to be able to endure all things that I may face. So far, I feel, that I have been blessed in such a way. I know there is still so much for me to learn and face in this life. I only hope that I take every opportunity to learn and grow. I am grateful for my friends and family who are so blessed with such strong Faith and understanding and show me their great examples each day.