Today as we were getting ready for church, I was having a hard time. I could not put my finger on it but I just felt bad. I didn't want to go, I didn't want to get ready, I was yelling and grumpy with my family. I was just having a hard day. I made it to church, a little late, and the lesson was from the conference talk given by Joseph B. Wirthlin in October. He has since passed away. The lesson was about dealing with adversity. He talked about 4 things to help us deal with adversity, 1. Learn to laugh. I think we are doing a good job of trying to keep our spirits up, maybe not by laughing at the situation but laughing at life. 2. Seek the Eternal, meaning try to look at the big picture, which is hard but helps! 3. The principle of compensation. He said that 'for every tear shed today will eventually be returned a hundredfold with tears of rejoicing and gratitude.' Those words comforted me a whole lot. I can't help but think that this may be reversed as well. I feel like we have been so blessed in our lives thus far and that this is our time to be challenged. 4. Trust in Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. Of course we do, we know that the plan is already laid out for us and it is our duty to respect that and deal accordingly. 'The simple secret is, put your trust in the Lord, do your best, then leave the rest to Him' is a quote by Elder Wirthlins daughter, after struggling with a challenge of her own. I really think this lesson helped me to keep on going and to keep fighting. If you have time, go read it, it is entitled 'Come what may, and love it' from October 08 conference by Joseph B. Wirthlin. I have been thinking alot lately about trials and the different ones we are each given and I can't help but think 'would I trade.' I see so many loved ones going through hard times, divorce or marital problems, financial struggles, illnesses and I can honestly say I would not trade anyone for this trial. I think we are all given the strength to deal with what we are given. I have a couple friends going through divorce and I have told them both that I would not trade them. I have Kurt to help me through this hard time, where they are dealing with theirs alone. Another loved one who is having a hard time having kids, I have 2 beautiful healthy kids and another baby on the way. I wouldn't want to be in their shoes, how hard. A friend who lost her mother in high school. I think to myself, I have my mom still and I don't know what I would do without her. This friend is so strong and such a good mom. I don't know how she does it. There is a guy in our ward that was just diagnosed with cancer and the doctors can't do anything for him. At least Kurt and I are healthy for our kids, and don't have to worry about that. I see parents who have tried so hard to teach right from wrong and have kids stray and even die because of drug use or other neglectful acts. I see people die in car wrecks, and I feel so sad for their families. I see people who struggle financially, and I am grateful we are in a position to deal with this trial financially. I feel so bad for those who don't have insurance and have stuff like this happen, i'm sure it's a life altering thing for them and their families. There are also many i'm sure who are struggling within their own selves with depression and other illnesses like that. I feel blessed to have been given this challenge and not another. It is not fun, and it will get harder but I am thankful for what I have and try not to think about what I don't have. There is much worse out there is todays world. At the top of the conference talk it says..
"The way we react to adversity can be a major factor in how happy and successful we can be in life."
I will try to remember this always, and I hope we can react in a positive way, not only for ourselves but for others. If we can help but one person to see that life is not all that bad, then we will have succeded in our efforts. I must say that last night I started this post and could not finish. I didn't WANT to finish. I was feeling picked on and wanted to be sad. We will have good days and bad, thanks for sharing in the rollercoaster with us! We love you all!!
"Life is not about waiting for the storm to pass but learning to dance in the rain."
16 comments:
I love that talk too. It actually talks about his grandson with autism so it hit home with me too.
I am sorry you had a rough day but know that you are in our, and many others, thoughts and prayers.
Thank you for sharing. You are a remarkable human being. I am so glad you have Kurt in your life. I am sorry you had a bad day. Remember how loved you are and if you ever need anything you have so many people to lean on, including and especially me!! I love you!
Mindi, your strength amazes me! You guys are awesome and I could only hope that I could have half your strength if I were facing such a hardship. You're perfectly human to have bad days, but your perception through all of it is what truly counts. We are thinking of you and praying for you. Tanya.
WOW, what a positive attitude you have. I agree with you though, the trials we all have are just for us. Heavenly Father knows that we have what it takes to deal with our own trials. Everyone has them, and at times they can seem unbearable, but trading with someone else would be even worse. You are so strong, staying that way will help as Libbi's birth comes closer. Take care, and know you are being prayed for by many.
I should learn not to read these blogs at work because now i'm crying. Oh well, nothing new. Thanks for sharing this, I needed to here it. If you do ever need to vent and cry I'm always good to call.
Okay so I'm a whimp. It's taken me a couple days to respond to this. It touched me so. So much that I haven't been able to maintain my composure long enough to respond. Because many of these people in this blog mean a lot to me. And it's very hard to see people you love go through trials. But I've prayed and prayed for the peace to come to me that you and Kurt are experincing and today I finally feel like my prayers were answered. I feel more full of hope and have decided to put all my trust in the Lord also, for he knows what is best. Sometimes that is all we can do. I love you little Libbi and you fighting is keeping me fighting so keep it up. And Mindi and Kurt... keep the faith. Love you, Netso
I am so amazed by your strength!! It amazes me to see you grow. You are in our prayers! We love ya,Em
Mindi I think you are conquering this test and being an amazing example to others. Thanks for the inspiring words.
Wow Mindi you are such an amazing person. I don't know how I would handle what you and your family are going through. But you are handling it beautifully. Thanks for being a great example to all of us! You are in our prayers.
Now that I'm crying! You should not feel guilty about being down on yourself. That's ok too. Your situation is a really hard one to be in and I'm just amazed at your perception of it all! You're a really great person!
Hi Libbi! Last night I had the experience to watch Jerzi talking to her little sister. She kept saying "Hi Strawberry Shortcake" but she did slip once and call you "Libbi"! No matter what your mom and dad choose to name you I think you will always be known as Strawberry Shortcake to Jerzi. Thats okay though since Koy called her "Bobbi" for the 1st year of her life. Anyway you are so lucky to have chosen such a fun neat family! Your mom, dad, brother, and sister love you very much! Besides that Grammy comes along with the package! Stay Strong and we will meet soon! Love you, Grammy
Mindi,
Sherice told me that Libbi had a health problem but I didn't realize it was so serious. You really are being so strong through this trying situation. Little Libbi is so lucky to have parents like you. I read a poem once, it was actually on someones blog, but it was about how our kids choose us as parents and I'm sure little Libbi chose you and Kurt because she knew you would be so strong and full of love for her. I read your posts on here and are so amazed at how spiritual you and Kurt are. Like Jamie said, it's okay to have bad days and you shouldn't feel guilty. Let me know if you ever need anything. You are such an amazing mom!
Well I'm not quite sure where to start. I haven't looked at Libbi's blog for a little while so I just read through your last few blog's and can't even begin to tell you how much they touched my heart.You guys are such strong people and I look up to you for how you are handling this trial that has come upon you. I've always wondered that if a trial like this was ever thrown at me how I would handle it. If I could look at it with even half the courage, hope, strength and faith that you guys are I would like to think I would be in good shape! Thank you for being a example to us all! Not that I can give any advice to you on this subject I just want you to know I don't blame you at all for having those bad days just keep persevering and staying strong for your little angel! I will pray for you guys and little Libbi as much as I can.
Good morning little Libbi, just wanted to say Hi on this beautiful morning. we see you and your mom almost everyday and you both look heathy and you are growing well. You have touched so many peoples lives. Reading this blog it's amazing how one little spirit can touch so many. What a beautiful thing. We are so lucky to have you be part of our family. We can't wait to have you in our arms so we can touch you and smell you and snuggle with you, but until then you are like Heavenly father, we can't see you, but we feel your presence everyday. We love you. be strong, Aunt Netso
Hi Libbi,
I just read your Aunts Jana's blog and seen her darling headbands. I can't wait to see you in them next to Anna, Aubree, and Jerzi. Maybe Jana could learn how to make ties for Boston, Hudson, and Koy?? Grammy loves you very much so stay strong and I will see you soon!
Mindi, you are so strong.I am also glad that you have curt to go through this with. precious little libbi is in our prayers.
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