1 Nephi 18: 15-16
15. And it came to pass that we were about to be swallowed up in the depths of the sea. And after we had been driven back upon the waters for the space of four days, my brethren began to see that the judgments of God were upon them, and that they must perish save that they should repent of their iniquities; wherefore, they came unto me, and loosed the bands which were upon my wrists, and behold they had swollen exceedingly; and also mine ankles were much swollen, and great was the soreness thereof.
16. Nevertheless, I did look unto my God, and I did praise him all the day long; and I did not murmur against the Lord because of mine afflictions.
I love how the book Verse by Verse The Book of Mormon, Vol. 1, reflects on Nephi's stance during him and his family's harsh boat trip. "To remain loyal to God, especially through trials clearly not of our own making, and resist the temptations to become bitter over the Lord's nonintervention is the great test and lesson of life-'to serve Him at all hazards,' thus guaranteeing our exaltation."
Not less then an hour ago or even most of the day today I kept saying Heavenly Father give me strength or I was reminded of my blessing that blessed me with tolerance or the primary song 'Happy Family' especially the line "Love at Home," played through my head, I don't know how many times just today. Thank goodness for those primary songs that come to us when we need them most.
Here is a link to the song, Happy Family.
Back to my thinking, as I read the scripture 1 Nephi 16. Hmmm, I personally thought I was doing great by not being bitter but trying to move forward with God's help. I even wrote in my gratitude journal tonight but did I say I was grateful for the trails I had today. Nope, I sure did not. I have to admit though, that I do say that I am grateful for my trails as whole or the big picture when they over, but do I say I am grateful for those small trivial trails I have on a daily basis as I am going through them. Instead of saying give me strength and courage, I should be saying thank you, thank you, thanks for loving me so much that you wanted me to learn these lessons today.
Another testament to me about how important our scriptures are and what a great tool they are in helping us be more like our brother Christ and our Heavenly Father.
This one is for you tonight Heavenly Father:
-thank you for my Mother that tries so desperately hard
-thank you for the job we both have
-thank you for courage to ask for help from the ward
- thank you for a healthy body that I can lift my Father's body
-thank you for the patience you have taught me over the years to feed and clean my Father
- thank you for the energy and a working vehicle to take my mom to her doctor's appt at 7 pm tonight an hour away from our home.
-thank you for loving me so much, you gave us the word of wisdom to help us stay on track with eating healthy
-thank you for a body that can excerise
