The Bittersweetness of it All

Oh the bitterness that life brings us.  People who don’t cooperate, teachers who overwhelm us, kids who hate us, dinners to be made, rooms to be cleaned (in fact there’s an endless list of chores to be done), low test scores, diabetes, no money, disappointments, death, poop…The list of things in life that cause bitterness are endless. 

“Our women are not incredible because they have managed to avoid the difficulties of life—quite the opposite. They are incredible because of the way they face the trials of life. Despite the challenges and tests life has to offer—from marriage or lack of marriage, children’s choices, poor health, lack of opportunities, and many other problems—they remain remarkably strong and immovable and true to the faith. Our sisters throughout the Church consistently ‘succor the weak, lift up the hands which hang down, and strengthen the feeble knees.’” (Qentin L. Cook “LDS Women Are Incredible”)

During General Conference, this  was probably my favorite talk.  I will admit that I am one to let the "difficulties of life" frustrate me to the point of tears and quite frankly, bitterness.  As many of you know I have struggled this semester with being away from my babies; (AND being with them...) finding the time to be a mom, student, sister, wife, friend, and just plain old me has been nearly impossible.  Should I even mention trying to find time to be a GOOD mom, student, sister, wife and friend?

Well I come to blog today not just about my stress, but about some amazing Latter Day Saint women who have recognized my sorrow and gone above and beyond the mark of "Incredible-ness". 

There are of course the "obvious" women in my life, who know they are amazing (well at least should...) Jessica, Catalina, Mom, Susan, the other Susan, Taylor, and Taleea (Yes, you making my brothers happy, makes me happy... don't forget their terribly romantic stories I get to hear about you...).

But this last month has been full of surprising incredible-ness and wonderful reminders that my Heavenly Father loves me: the ladies in the ward who let "V" stay in the preschool co-op even though I couldn't "co-op", just when I needed new pans, Whitney was there to save me, when I needed a date with Mr. R some wonderful women in my class at school gave me $30 with strict instructions to use on my husband and myself, my faithful visiting teachers who bring their love and spirits into my home every month, my visiting teaching companion who "forces" me to do service each month, Mrs. Funk's awesome sarcasm and enthusiasm that got me through the day, and even my carpool buddy I made this semester, Cathy.   





 
I feel so grateful for being surrounded by amazing women.  Thank you for "succoring the weak" and lifting my spirit.  Sorry this isn't a funny blog about life, but I would be so ungrateful if I didn't recognize the blessings I have.