The Scenic Route

It seems as if every time my car breaks down, my life is crashing down along with it. I often wonder what the Lord is trying to teach me at these moments of life. It just seems bizarre, that these two events coincide with one another. I am picking up my car from the shop today. A nice fee of $403 later, it shall be fixed and as close to new as it could be...hopefully. Perhaps it is a time that I need to remember that I, like my car, need to be repaired every now and then. When the mileage of life adds up, and I neglect to repair the damages made, it adds up. Despite my resilience to keep moving forward, I can't. I break down. I must humble myself, take myself to the mechanic, and become new. Luckily I know of the perfect mechanic, and He knows how to fix me up perfectly, whereas no one else would ever be able to know how to fix me. He knows because He has been there. He knows the rough stretch of terrain that i just passed, and better yet, He knows the road ahead and will make me stronger so I can better face the path to come. I would be lost without my Savior.

Merci, Père.

Let's be honest; life is hard. Right? We all go through struggles in many different shapes and forms. Frequently, I like to run from my problems and find a hiding place. At work, I lack for hiding places, but I will hide some thoughts here. But instead of complaining or writing words I'll just regret, I want to turn this into a post of gratitude. Often times, I forget to be thankful. I have been blessed with so much, that during the times of affliction, it seems as if I forget that the Lord truly is blessing me and has a hand in my life. So here are some of the things that I am truly grateful for:

1: I'm grateful to be where I stand today. I have been blessed with a wonderful place to live, great roommates, a wonderful ward, a great calling, a fabulous job that just fell into the palm of my hands, and so much more. I know I am in the right place at the right time, and I couldn't be more grateful for that knowledge...especially when I try to run, I am grateful for my knowledge in this.

2: I'm grateful for wonderful friends. Friends who help me to see how silly I am, that I can't make this life alone. Even with my stubbornness, I'm grateful for friends who are patient with me and willing to help me through.

3: Along with great friends, some of my best friends that I'm most grateful for is my family. They are some of my strongest supports in life that lift me up and give me exactly the words of encouragement that I need. They are some of the greatest and strongest people I know. Without them, I have no idea where I would be. I love them so much and thank my Father in Heaven for them.

4: I'm grateful for the gospel. The power of prayer, the strength in scripture study, the love of my Savior and His patience and perfect understanding and mercy. Seriously, how the Atonement works, I may never fully understand, except that it does work. I'm also grateful for my Heavenly Father that hears and answers prayers. I have seen so many wonderful responses to my prayers, which I'm infinitely grateful for.


I could go on and on, but I think this will suffice for now. Gratitude has a healing effect on the heart and I encourage all who are struggling or just down in life to open their eyes and see the good things that do surround each one of us. I promise that you will find the good and see that indeed, your Father in Heaven is caring for you and blessing us amidst our trial of affliction.