Do you ever feel overwhelmed in the trial you are currently facing? Alone, or don't know where to turn? As lonely as this feels, ironically it is nearly a universal experience. My life has been so blest in countless ways... and yet...the trials I am given seem to be increasing in equal intensity too. I find myself pondering a lot on how to learn and mostly survive beyond the pain. A few things that have stuck out to me that have really helped are:
1- This scriptural equation found in the Book of Mormon 1st Nephi verse 1.
I've read this verse numerous times without giving it much thought. But today it really stuck out to me. Maybe, I've added too much detail. But I truly feel like there is a reason this verse was placed as the very beginning of this exemplary text. English students know the summary of important writing or thesis is spelled out in the first paragraph. Is it possible that this 1st verse could be a thesis on how to handle challenges we all will face? I think it is fair to assume every reader will need a guide for how to handle their own personal circumstances, and hope that there is a way! Thanks, Nephi.
SO.... I did a little self inflicted homework practice. I sat down and I wrote down every really hard challenge I could think of that I was not currently facing. (A kind of reverse practice in counting blessings) Then I wrote down everything I could be grateful for that was related to that particular situation. For example: The trial of being infertile: Although I did experience this for several years at the beginning of my marriage, this is not my current trial so I wrote down: I am thankful I have had the opportunity to have children. I am thankful for cute baby cuddles, and the joy of baby laughs. I am thankful for the funny things children say that lift my day. I am thankful I get to see children learn and grow every day, I am grateful I will likely have grandchildren in the future and I look forward to future days of love and experience with my family. I am not down playing this challenge in any way. I simple list it as an example of a really hard situation that I could list blessings for as well. Each of us will have a number of trials that we are facing and even more that we are not. It is about perspective. I went on to list at least 12 or more really hard challenges that I do not have and the numerous blessings that automatically come with the lack of those situations. AMAZINGLY, it really did help. My own trials though still great felt significantly more in perspective with a greater plan. I saw the numerous blessings that I do have and gained compassion for every individual in different circumstances.
I am eager to learn and, I am attempting to record and share when appropriate, hence today's blog. I even hope to find ways in the future that I can use my specific specialized set of circumstance, to bless the lives of others. But for today.................I will live and contemplate the lyrics below!
1. When upon life’s billows you are tempest-tossed,When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,Count your many blessings; name them one by one,And it will surprise you what the Lord has done.
2. Are you ever burdened with a load of care?Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?Count your many blessings; ev’ry doubt will fly,And you will be singing as the days go by.
3. When you look at others with their lands and gold,Think that Christ has promised you his wealth untold.Count your many blessings; money cannot buy Your reward in heaven nor your home on high
4. So amid the conflict, whether great or small,Do not be discouraged; God is over all.Count your many blessings; angels will attend,Help and comfort give you to your journey’s end.
Text: Johnson Oatman Jr., 1856–1922
Music: Edwin O. Excell, 1851–1921
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