The company I work for helped out with some Sub For Santa families this year. I volunteered to deliver gifts to one of the families. They were a hispanic family and I figured it would be a good opportunity for me to brush up on my spanish and to serve others. I invited a good friend from work to go with me and we delivered the gifts late Wed. night. It ended up being one of those tender mercy experiences as we sat in their home and talked about the hardships they were going through and how blessed they felt to receive the gifts for their children. They were very humble and grateful people. One thing that stuck out to me was this couple's attitude. Amidst the struggle of losing their business and having no money, they were humble enough to be grateful and enthusiastic about the future. It allowed me to take a look at my own life and see the tremendous blessings I have. If I were to take just five minutes and write down the blessings I have, I would have pages and pages of them. Although my personal situation is extremely hard and painful, I have been trying to focus on the positive and recognize the blessings in my life. This has helped me a lot over the past week. When you focus on the positive you will be amazed at what you see. You recognize more. You are more grateful. It sustains you through difficult times.
I saw Christmas in a new light this year and I am grateful to my Heavenly Father for blessing me with certain experiences. Time and time again through my trial the Lord has let me know that he is there and he is watching over me. He is allowing me to learn and feel what I need to but he is also sending me tender mercies to lift me up and allow me to push forward.
I feel so much guilt for my actions. I have caused so much pain to people I love dearly. I am trying everything in my power to change. The burden, at times, feels as though it will drown me. But amazingly, and without fail, the Lord has shown me he is there and he cares so much for me and those I love. And usually it comes through him helping me to recognize his tender mercies and to be GRATEFUL for them. I was blessed with a few Christmas "miracles" this year that I know without a doubt were direct blessings from a loving Heavenly Father. I know he listens to and answers our prayers. I know that he is a compassionate and loving God who is waiting for us to come to him.
I am grateful for our Savior and Redeemer who came to this world as a sacrifice. He is our Mediator. It is only through his Atonement that we can all can truly be forgiven, healed, and return to God's presence. I know this to be true. If I only I had kept this testimony close enough to my heart I may have avoided the situation I am in now. Never let your guard down. Don't think for a moment that Satan has stopped trying. Keep the Savior close to your heart and mind at all times. I plead with you to avoid the pain and anguish by deciding beforehand to never let Satan overpower you.
If any of you are struggling with something right now, go to your knees and ask for help to recognize the blessings in your life and go forward with a grateful heart and attitude. Ok, I have rambled on enough. Make tomorrow a grateful one. Merry Christmas.
No comments:
Post a Comment