Some Thoughts

A few weeks ago I happened upon the Ensign from June. It was "on display" in my home along with July and August, a little cluttered, so I was in the process of packing it away. I decided to glance through it one last time and came across the article "HOPE: The Misunderstood Sister" by Larry Hiller. I was instantly enthralled. It is so beautifully written. On top of that, the same author wrote a poem called "Walking with Two Sisters" that is inset with the article. I ate it all up. I copied the poem and placed it in my scriptures at Romans 5:3-5.

Just today those verses found their way into my head.

"We glory in tribulation also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us."

Along with another verse. "Be still and know that I am God."

Everything happens for a reason. Chris is so good at reminding me about that. This year has been a year of tests and trials. It's been a lesson in patience and humility. There is so much that I have yet to learn. Sometimes I'm not sure I have the capacity to learn. I'm afraid to fail.

So much is hanging in the clouds right now and I have NO CONTROL over any of it! The future of our home, Chris' job prospects, another child. Normally I find comfort in staying in control and managing everything. No so anymore. I'm not in control, and I never was. I'm realizing that. I'm learning.

Glory in tribulation. Work patience. Gain experience. Find Hope.

I love how Bro Hiller describes Hope. It is sometimes perceived as "keeping your fingers crossed." Because of this, many believe Hope to be fickle. She may or may not grace you with her presence. But this is not the kind of Hope that our Heavenly Father commands us to have. And it is not the kind of Hope that our Savior offers.

When we have trials and we patiently endure them, the Savior, who took upon Himself all of our ills and sorrows, ministers through the Spirit. Then we experience the Savior's tender mercies. The trials may continue, but when we take upon the yoke of Christ, he shares our yoke. This makes our trials bearable and gives us Hope. Then we find strength to endure. We know that everything will be made right for eternity. Hope is expectation based upon experience.

Counting blessings. Always counting blessings.