Tuesday, November 4, 2008

Gratitude...How appropriate :)

Funny that this happens to fall on the month of Thanksgiving. Although it wouldn't matter at all if it were the farthest day from it. I have to share my thoughts with you.

Obviously, the last few weeks haven't been easy for me. Last week was especially difficult. This week is better. Not easy, but definitely better. Let me tell you why.

Shortly after I posted, my cousin (in law) an dear, dear, sweet friend texted me out of the blue. "What's your favorite ice cream?" Minutes later she and her darling husband and kids were here with hugs and a giant cup of rocky road ice cream from Iceburg. :) Of course, I cried.

Wednesday night we had our ward Halloween party (pictures to come soon). Then Thursday night, another bestest friend, Kristen, took me out for the night. It was a much needed escape. After the kids were in bed, she and I headed to PF Chang's and split a Great Wall of Chocolate and Banana Spring Rolls. Heaven. We spent the night being silly and talking.

I also received several uplifting comments, phone calls, and text messages from you all. They were perfect. Just what I needed.

A couple of nights ago I was up late with Jack. I flipped through the channels and found a documentary on Joseph Smith. It was on his letters to Emma and others during his time in Liberty Jail. A passage from D & c 121 was read:

My son, peace be unto thy soul; thine adversity and thine afflictions shall be but a small moment; And then, if thou endure it well, God shall exalt thee on high; thou shalt triumph over all thy foes. Thy friends do stand by thee, and they shall hail thee again with warm hearts and friendly hands.
(D & C 121: 7-9)

I wasn't in prison. I wasn't being persecuted. I wasn't separated indefinitely from my loved ones. I wasn't denied sun light, good food, or my freedoms.

It was simply a hard day. And I don't know that I endured it well. However, immediately, when I heard this scripture quoted I knew this promise had been kept for me. My friends were there to support and lift me up. You didn't make my problems go way. You weren't able to swish a magic wand and fix it all. But for the time being I was able to focus on my gratitude for friends, true friends. I didn't think for a second about my hard days or weeks. I just thought of how much I love each of you and how much love I felt from you.

I hope at some point I can return that beautiful service to each of you.

Thank you to each of you who helped me this week. I love you!

12 comments:

Erin said...

I love you McKenna! I'll bring you ice cream & hugs anytime!

Lindsay said...

Glad to see that things are looking up!

Kandace said...

Girl. TIVO. After Isaac is asleep I watch all the shows I want too without interuption. It soothes any hard time :)
Hope things get better. It seems like everyone is going through such hard times right now.

Scott+Kimber+Ruby=Scimby said...

so Ive been meaning to tell you. I burned you the 2 season on the office and the office christmas special weeks ago....but for some reason the first season wouldnt burn! SOOOO, i can send you those two disc, but I feel very strongly that you need to watch the first season before watching the other two...

One Giant Fall Forward said...

You are Awesome McKenna... You always have been! I can't wait for you to be reunited and be together as a family!

XO said...

I LOVE November - I always always feel grateful even if I'm not thinking of Thanksgiving. I don't know why. It sure is nice to feel grateful though. Thanks for sharing.

Alli Forsyth said...

SO last night you made the comment about being in the relief society because that would mean someone would think you are spiritual...you put me to shame....Glad we had a play group today...

Lauren and Tyson Fiala said...

I am impressed by your strength with the many difficult things you are dealing with right now. You will make it through, and eventually things will become easier. I love that scripture you quoted. Friends can be such a blessing. And it is so true, that most really hard times and afflictions truly are just a “small moment” even though they seem like an eternity when going through them.

Anonymous said...

I found myself with some down time and decided that it would be a GREAT thing to check out your blog... I have to say... I think that you are awesome! Good luck! ;) Can't wait to catch up to you with my camera in hand. :)

Alli Forsyth said...

SO I've been back reading your blog...I want to become a coupon clipper...how do I start?

Jobi Niu said...

Today our Sacrament Meeting was all about gratitude. It was awesome! I love reading your posts. We need to hang out before you leave! My goodness.

Kristin said...

YEAH for Friends! Yeah for YOU!