Leave It Alone

When I applied for the Speech-Pathology program at the University of Utah, I don't think I knew it required a full course load and an extra load of clients during the summer semester.  But I guess that wasn't enough to deter me from quitting half-way through (yay!) my program because here I sit, in classes and with clients, during the summer time.  From my seat in the classroom, I can see the blue sky, the trees swaying in the wind, and the rolling clouds (I swear I can see the heat too!).  At least I have a good seat.

It's been nearly two months since the inevitable happened, a weird two months.  The past week and a half has been absolutely incredible; my point of view seems to have made a complete 180* turn.  I am more completely optimistic in the future, completely more okay with "things" not happening how I planned, and I am much more faithful in the Lord, His plan, and His timing. 

This previous week in church I gave a talk on President Packer's most recent conference talk, "Guided by the Holy Spirit".  First, the title of the talk is very deceiving, yet fitting.  Second, President Packer relates a story about a young man who lost his wife a few days after giving birth to their first child due to mistakes the delivering doctor made.  The young husband and new father was very upset, very hurt, and very confused by  his trial.  Shortly after the wife's death, the stake president called this young man into his office and gave him counsel from the Lord; this counsel was to "leave it alone; nothing you do about it will bring her back."  While the young man was shocked and probably hurt, he determined he should be obedient and follow the counsel given him.  Later is his life, this man is quoted as saying, "I was an old man before I understood and could finally see...I finally understood!" 

I am so very grateful to the Lord for allowing us time to see and understand His purposes; I am so grateful to Him for allowing us to struggle, to struggle to find true happiness.  Without this (these) struggles, I do not think we could (or would) fully appreciate the blessings He bestows upon us afterwards.  With our struggles and trials come growth, growth and knowledge that cannot be found any other way.