Challenges = Greater Blessings

So, today I posted on Facebook "I have always known this, but it has become so strongly obvious to me that in times that appear to be the greatest challenges are truly the greatest blessings. The Lord really does know the BIG picture and the timing of certain things that need to happen in our lives. So grateful for the gospel." I have kept pretty quiet about some of the challenges that our family has gone through over the last few months, but I have decided to share.  

Back in September I decided that I was going to focus on getting healthy and decided that since I was 40 it was time to just go in for an annual check up.  I went in and decided that whatever the doctor said I needed to do I was going to do.  We had insurance and it was time.  I had several concerns and was ready to get to the bottom of them.  My doctor did several blood tests and said it would be a few days before we got the results.  

The next day I was in charge of a PTA Council Meeting in the morning and then had other things going on in the afternoon.  I got done with my Council Meeting and noticed that my doctor's office had called.  That made me nervous that I was getting a call the next day instead of a few days later.  I called immediately and talked with my doctor at length.  I was on the verge of diabetes, had really high cholesterol, high blood pressure and some other stuff that he was really concerned about.  He wanted me to come back in and visit with him.  I told him I would call back and schedule a time.  

About 30 minutes later I was at Lindon Elementary and talking with a few friends when Rick called.  I figured I would call him back, but instead I got a text from him.  I looked down at the text and saw, "Hope you are having a good day, because I just lost my job."  I didn't even know who it was from, because it was scrolling across the top of the screen.  I was feeling bad for whoever it was and clicked on the text.  That is when I realized it was from Rick.  We had been through unemployment before and it was a very hard, stressful time.  That day was full of news that shook our world.  The company he worked for gave him 2 weeks and then he was gone.  Of course, right through the holidays and some of the tougher financial times of the year.  

There were many things that didn't line up or make sense about Rick losing his job.  So many questions and no answers.  I was a wreck and decided I needed to go to the temple the next day and figure things out.  As I went to the temple I felt so peaceful.  I didn't want to leave, because it was the only place I was finding peace through everything.  That evening we went to my parent's and received priesthood blessings from my dad.  I don't remember a whole lot from the blessings, but one thing that stood out to me in Rick's blessing was that he was told this was the Lord's timing and in His plan for our family.  There would be opportunities that would come that would not have come any other time for his future and to provide for his family.  

There was a job that he was really excited about and we thought for sure this was it.  Things were going smoothly and then the job didn't come through.  The boat rocked a little bit in our lives, but then things fell right in place.  The timing ended up being perfect in our lives.  The job he has is PERFECT for him!  He is the happiest I have ever seen him.  The money is a little tighter than before and we currently don't have any insurance, but I have never seen Rick so happy.  Our children are happy because he is more a part of their lives than before because he is working from home.  The job fits our lives perfectly.  There is flexibility and that is what our family needs with all that we have going on.    

The holidays were simple and perfect!  We were able to enjoy time together as a family, share the gospel with many and the boys were happy with what they received.  We are working through catching up from the time of unemployment financially, but we feel that we are on the right road and find peace in where we are at.  

Rick has been contacted by some of those he worked with over the last few months and he has watched what happened to him happen to others.  Then yesterday he saw several posts, twitters, etc. from many that he worked with and knew that major things had happened at this company.  Nobody was happy and it was very evident that it was a blessing he wasn't there right now.  He got out at the right time.  We have found that the grass is greener on the other side and thought it seemed unfair, difficult and things didn't add up we are soooo grateful to be on this side.  He is so glad he wasn't in the meeting yesterday where so many lives were turned upside down.  

I agree that there are many things in life that are in our control and we bring on in our own lives, but I also believe that there are certain things in our lives that the Lord specifically guides to bring us greater happiness if we are willing to follow and trust despite how challenging and hard the road might look.     

  

  

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