Our family had a wonderful Thanksgiving this year. My parents joined us for the first time in many years and it was memorable for us all. We also had the blessing of taking our son Ryan to the temple for the first time. He was such a ray of sunshine that day. So happy and so grateful to be with us in the house of the Lord. I will never forget that day.
This was a week of Thanksgiving like no other for our family. We are all deeply thankful that our dear husband and father of my children, Terry Otis is still with us after his unfortunate accident in October.
Today is his first day back to work. I felt such an ache in my heart as I sent him back into the world. It's been two months since his accident. It's been a time of fear, pain, suffering, elation, spiritual healing and gratitude for us all. So many emotions have been shared. So many miracles have been acknowledged during his convalescence.
We have learned something important. We know that there are no coincidences--only miracles. The more you become aware of these miracles, the more you see them. It's amazing! Start giving God the credit and you see more. Try it and your eyes will be opened today. Then be thankful in your prayers and the spirit will fill you too.
Our family has seen miracles from the moment Terry was hurt to this very day. This day is a miracle when a man who was in a motorcycle accident returned to work so quickly and nearly healed from all his injuries. I am filled with thanksgiving that he is whole and happy and getting back to the day to day task of supporting his family.
When I think of miracles, gratitude fills me and I know what my evangelical friends are so fond of expressing is true. God is good!
This mindset didn't come to me overnight. After the initial shock of the accident wore off a few weeks ago, I felt myself falling into despair as I became angry and even felt vengeful. I'm human right?
When I thought of the woman sitting at home unharmed after turning her SUV in front of my husband who was on an errand to pick up medicine for our son. I was angry because Terry was in excruciating pain after his hand surgery-- which she caused. I couldn't seem to get the pain under control with several medications the doctors had given him. This is a kind hearted man who always goes out of his way to help others and was never angry at the woman once!
I had to work through my feelings with the help of our beloved Heavenly Father. I begged for the anger to be taken from me. It didn't happen overnight either. I prayed daily. Some time after asking for help, information found it's way to me about the woman who had hurt Terry...
She hasn't been able to drive herself to work since October 3rd, the day of the accident. She has been shaken to her core by fear of hurting another person. Her daughter was cut by flying glass and is healed quickly, thank goodness! We found this out innocently by renting a rug cleaner at our local rental store. The clerk is the neighbor of the woman was the driver of the SUV.
We could have gone to the other rental place in town that day. I feel we were meant to gain comfort with the knowledge we innocently gleaned from the rental clerk at her insistence. Such tender mercies swept all pain from our hearts as compassion filled us up for this woman who was suffering so much. I pray for her daily now. We all do.
There is so much good in the world today. It would be easy to get derailed by this unfortunate accident our family experienced. Instead we choose to see the good now and not be changed forever by the bad. It's a choice we must all make when bad things happen to us in our lives.
This week I read a quote from President Monsen that I'm posting below. I hope it touches you as it has touched me. I pray you have a very good Monday.
"This is a wonderful time to be living here on earth. Our opportunities are limitless. While there are some things wrong in the world today, there are many things right, such as teachers who teach, ministers who minister, marriages that make it, parents who sacrifice, and friends who help.
"We can lift ourselves, and others as well, when we refuse to remain in the realm of negative thought and cultivate within our hearts an attitude of gratitude. If ingratitude be numbered among the serious sins, then gratitude takes its place among the noblest of virtues"
President Thomas S. Monsen. Ensign, May 1992, p. 54
Showing posts with label forgiveness. Show all posts
Showing posts with label forgiveness. Show all posts
Monday, December 1, 2008
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Learning From Our Children
My son is an undercover internal security person for our local Walmart. He is also turning his mission papers in next week. When he told me what happened that night during his shift, it brought tears to my eyes. He often comes home and unburdens himself about the people he had to detain or have arrested. He never mentions names. I'm a soft place to land...I love him dearly and he needs me. I'll do my best to relay the story as accurately as possible.
****
Mom, he was there on the security camera screen again. Just standing there, hands hanging limp at his sides staring off into space with a look that made my chest hurt. I'd seen the look before, but this time it reached deep down inside of me and made me want to act, to help somehow. He looked like all his hope had been sucked dry, Mom. Each time he'd move through the store he'd stop, like he was trying to figure something out and failing miserably. So, I decided to go and talk to him. It had been four hours since he'd come into the store. I knew that after reviewing the store tapes. Too long for shopping-- but he hadn't taken a single thing.
So I approached him quietly. I stopped to talk with him. He really did seem lost, Mom. He told me his name as we talked.
When he realized I wasn't going to throw him out of the store he confided in me. I'd heard stories like his before, but somehow this man and his grief seemed even more deep. He had just been released from jail after serving a one month sentence. He had been arrested on an old warrant. He had served his month and then was dropped off at Walmart. He had no money, no home and no plans. He was overwhelmed and didn't know where to go or what to do. He had tried to call his mother, but after she was kicked out of his apartment for lack of money, she had simply disappeared. He had no other family, no connections, no job, no social security card....nothing. He was despairing....
I'm so grateful my son was the one who found this very repentant man. He said that he knew he'd done wrong. That he'd been a drinker two years previous, but before the police arrested him he'd straightened out his life and had a good job by then and was even taking care of his mom. He knew that the arrest was correct and had served his time. But no one had told him what to do next. When you are arrested, you are stripped of you social security number and must file for a new one. My son knew that from his police explorer training. They had resources for him to check out, but he hadn't understood and had failed to take advantage. So Ryan told him that he was going to try and put some things in place for him and he purchased the man some dinner in the McDonalds there in the store and told him he'd be right back...
Well, my son went from department to department all over the store telling people about the gentleman and asking for donations so that he would have a place to stay that night. Every last person he spoke with donated money. They all love my boy. He's a real sweetie. By the time he was finished he had enough money for several days at our super 8 motel and money for some food too. My son also had noticed that the man had lost a lot of weight and didn't have a belt and had to hold his pants up with his hand...so he had bought one for him while the gentleman was eating.The man simply cried when Ryan told him about all so many people had done for him. Then he and another employee drove him to and introduced him to a local church clergy nearby who had agreed to mentor him and help find him work.
All of this was done by a 19 year old who is preparing to leave for the mission field this summer. If he can do this for someone, so can we! Ask for Heavenly Father to send someone your way that you can help today. Never think, I can't help someone like that! You might miss an opportunity to change someone's life for the better--lift them up. Our son told me once, that "it's when we start thinking that we are better than the criminals, that we need to humble ourselves and think twice. Some people make one mistake and pay for the rest of their lives. Any one of us could make a wrong turn and regret it." I know in my heart that Heavenly Father will show us all the right way to live if we choose to follow Him.
Gosh I love my boys! I learn something from them every day.
****
Mom, he was there on the security camera screen again. Just standing there, hands hanging limp at his sides staring off into space with a look that made my chest hurt. I'd seen the look before, but this time it reached deep down inside of me and made me want to act, to help somehow. He looked like all his hope had been sucked dry, Mom. Each time he'd move through the store he'd stop, like he was trying to figure something out and failing miserably. So, I decided to go and talk to him. It had been four hours since he'd come into the store. I knew that after reviewing the store tapes. Too long for shopping-- but he hadn't taken a single thing.
So I approached him quietly. I stopped to talk with him. He really did seem lost, Mom. He told me his name as we talked.
When he realized I wasn't going to throw him out of the store he confided in me. I'd heard stories like his before, but somehow this man and his grief seemed even more deep. He had just been released from jail after serving a one month sentence. He had been arrested on an old warrant. He had served his month and then was dropped off at Walmart. He had no money, no home and no plans. He was overwhelmed and didn't know where to go or what to do. He had tried to call his mother, but after she was kicked out of his apartment for lack of money, she had simply disappeared. He had no other family, no connections, no job, no social security card....nothing. He was despairing....
I'm so grateful my son was the one who found this very repentant man. He said that he knew he'd done wrong. That he'd been a drinker two years previous, but before the police arrested him he'd straightened out his life and had a good job by then and was even taking care of his mom. He knew that the arrest was correct and had served his time. But no one had told him what to do next. When you are arrested, you are stripped of you social security number and must file for a new one. My son knew that from his police explorer training. They had resources for him to check out, but he hadn't understood and had failed to take advantage. So Ryan told him that he was going to try and put some things in place for him and he purchased the man some dinner in the McDonalds there in the store and told him he'd be right back...
Well, my son went from department to department all over the store telling people about the gentleman and asking for donations so that he would have a place to stay that night. Every last person he spoke with donated money. They all love my boy. He's a real sweetie. By the time he was finished he had enough money for several days at our super 8 motel and money for some food too. My son also had noticed that the man had lost a lot of weight and didn't have a belt and had to hold his pants up with his hand...so he had bought one for him while the gentleman was eating.The man simply cried when Ryan told him about all so many people had done for him. Then he and another employee drove him to and introduced him to a local church clergy nearby who had agreed to mentor him and help find him work.
All of this was done by a 19 year old who is preparing to leave for the mission field this summer. If he can do this for someone, so can we! Ask for Heavenly Father to send someone your way that you can help today. Never think, I can't help someone like that! You might miss an opportunity to change someone's life for the better--lift them up. Our son told me once, that "it's when we start thinking that we are better than the criminals, that we need to humble ourselves and think twice. Some people make one mistake and pay for the rest of their lives. Any one of us could make a wrong turn and regret it." I know in my heart that Heavenly Father will show us all the right way to live if we choose to follow Him.
Gosh I love my boys! I learn something from them every day.
Saturday, March 15, 2008
He Lives To Calm My Troubled Heart
Have you ever had someone in your life that was thoughtless or hurtful on a regular basis? Have you tried to resolve the underlying problem only to find that it really wasn't about you, but about their unresolved issues with their own past? Some people allow their past pain to shape their future without knowing it.
I do have someone in my life like this. I've had to forgive them many times over through the years. On the surface I've been able to act like nothing bothers me. I do let them know as the spirit dictates, when I don't agree with them or find a way to turn them around from their negative thinking.
I've shown my kids that I indeed, can forgive--rising above my hurt and pain. I want to show them a better example, so that they can have healthier relationships with their loved ones.
My dreams seem to haunt me though and thoughts pop up from time to time that I shove down deep to deal with later. I almost have to pray them away just to be free of them. Sometimes I don't seem to be able to bring myself to call them as often as I should because of the mean spirited words they say each time we have a conversation. Who would want to talk to them?
When you're raised in the church you realize that we must forgive all things. If our Savior and Redeemer Jesus Christ could sacrifice so much so that we could be forgiven our sins--who are we to not forgive another?
I do understand this fully and yet, my memory is so vivid. It's the thing that feeds my gift as a writer. It also can be crippling when memory creeps back in to fan the hurt that is fueled by additional cruel words and deeds. It is something I'm grateful for in a way, because I'm constantly in touch with Heavenly Father.
I pray often and do feel comforted. It's a constant vigil, this process of protecting my spirit when dealing with this dear one. Without the constant companion of the Holy Ghost I would be lost. He helps me to have the words to help this person whom I love and not cause myself to be the one who strikes back with thier own cruel words adding to the cycle of abuse. I instead choose to rise above it all and be kind no matter what the cost. It's the least I can do for the good things I do find that this person has done for me in my lifetime.
If I look hard for the love in what they say these days, I can always find something good for the most part. I do think that the adversary would have it otherwise. That I should strike back and fight with them would give him so much pleasure. No good would be accomplished though. The person would never change and instead-- would shut themselves bitterly away from those who love them.
We are imperfect people here on earth. We are each in our own way, striving to know what path Heavenly Father wishes our feet to be set upon. Prayer is the link between Him and His children here. We are spiritual beings having an earthly experience. We all need to listen carefully to know which way to turn.
I do pray each day that my loved one will have a change of heart and turn to the One who loves them and knows them so intimately--our beloved Heavenly Father.
After writing this I've found such solace from my pain that kept me awake last night. I'm also reminded of the Hymn we sing, I know that my Redeemer lives. I have posted it below to share with you today. I hope it gives you comfort and fills you up with His love for you.
I am grateful for the knowledge that how I live my life is indeed a meaningful expression of my faith. I can change and grow regardless of my age or what I have been dealt with in life. I will continue to be prayerful and hopeful that my relationship with others will be an extension of that faith.
I testify of this in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
I do have someone in my life like this. I've had to forgive them many times over through the years. On the surface I've been able to act like nothing bothers me. I do let them know as the spirit dictates, when I don't agree with them or find a way to turn them around from their negative thinking.
I've shown my kids that I indeed, can forgive--rising above my hurt and pain. I want to show them a better example, so that they can have healthier relationships with their loved ones.
My dreams seem to haunt me though and thoughts pop up from time to time that I shove down deep to deal with later. I almost have to pray them away just to be free of them. Sometimes I don't seem to be able to bring myself to call them as often as I should because of the mean spirited words they say each time we have a conversation. Who would want to talk to them?
When you're raised in the church you realize that we must forgive all things. If our Savior and Redeemer Jesus Christ could sacrifice so much so that we could be forgiven our sins--who are we to not forgive another?
I do understand this fully and yet, my memory is so vivid. It's the thing that feeds my gift as a writer. It also can be crippling when memory creeps back in to fan the hurt that is fueled by additional cruel words and deeds. It is something I'm grateful for in a way, because I'm constantly in touch with Heavenly Father.
I pray often and do feel comforted. It's a constant vigil, this process of protecting my spirit when dealing with this dear one. Without the constant companion of the Holy Ghost I would be lost. He helps me to have the words to help this person whom I love and not cause myself to be the one who strikes back with thier own cruel words adding to the cycle of abuse. I instead choose to rise above it all and be kind no matter what the cost. It's the least I can do for the good things I do find that this person has done for me in my lifetime.
If I look hard for the love in what they say these days, I can always find something good for the most part. I do think that the adversary would have it otherwise. That I should strike back and fight with them would give him so much pleasure. No good would be accomplished though. The person would never change and instead-- would shut themselves bitterly away from those who love them.
We are imperfect people here on earth. We are each in our own way, striving to know what path Heavenly Father wishes our feet to be set upon. Prayer is the link between Him and His children here. We are spiritual beings having an earthly experience. We all need to listen carefully to know which way to turn.
I do pray each day that my loved one will have a change of heart and turn to the One who loves them and knows them so intimately--our beloved Heavenly Father.
After writing this I've found such solace from my pain that kept me awake last night. I'm also reminded of the Hymn we sing, I know that my Redeemer lives. I have posted it below to share with you today. I hope it gives you comfort and fills you up with His love for you.
I am grateful for the knowledge that how I live my life is indeed a meaningful expression of my faith. I can change and grow regardless of my age or what I have been dealt with in life. I will continue to be prayerful and hopeful that my relationship with others will be an extension of that faith.
I testify of this in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
“136: I Know That My Redeemer Lives,” Hymns of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, no. 136
Peacefully
1. I know that my Redeemer lives.
What comfort this sweet sentence gives!
He lives, he lives, who once was dead.
He lives, my ever-living Head.
He lives to bless me with his love.
He lives to plead for me above.
He lives my hungry soul to feed.
He lives to bless in time of need.
2. He lives to grant me rich supply.
He lives to guide me with his eye.
He lives to comfort me when faint.
He lives to hear my soul’s complaint.
He lives to silence all my fears.
He lives to wipe away my tears.
He lives to calm my troubled heart.
He lives all blessings to impart.
3. He lives, my kind, wise heav’nly Friend.
He lives and loves me to the end.
He lives, and while he lives, I’ll sing.
He lives, my Prophet, Priest, and King.
He lives and grants me daily breath.
He lives, and I shall conquer death.
He lives my mansion to prepare.
He lives to bring me safely there.
4. He lives! All glory to his name!
He lives, my Savior, still the same.
Oh, sweet the joy this sentence gives:
“I know that my Redeemer lives!”
He lives! All glory to his name!
He lives, my Savior, still the same.
Oh, sweet the joy this sentence gives:
“I know that my Redeemer lives!”
Text: Samuel Medley, 1738–1799. Included in the first LDS hymnbook, 1835.
Music: Lewis D. Edwards, 1858–1921
*LDS.org
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