Life is a wonderful thing. Sure there is heartache and there is disappointment, I think that is just part of the ride, but there are wonderful things that we enjoy each day. We are so richly blessed and have so much to be grateful for. Wow. It takes me down a notch or two when I consider how generous our Heavenly Father is, how loving our Savior is. I am very grateful for that.
I have talked about angels in times passed. I am sure you can look back at life and reflect on those who have been angels in your own life. These are often people that are there in the background of our lives who have an amazing ability to be there when we need them and simply lift us up. They listen to and act on the prompting of the Spirit and are instruments in the hands of the Lord. I love these people and I wish I were more like them.
We had lots of great friends in Florida. Those who know me know that I get emotional sometimes and you could guess that when I typed that and thought about these people that I got a little choked up. Well, you'd be right in that guess. I just have love in my heart for so many good people and it just happens. Can't help it.
I have had a few moments that have been a little rough since the kids have been gone (2 weeks yesterday). I am certainly lonely and the house is often too quiet. Anyhow, I end up doing some self evaluation and I get hard on myself for not doing a good enough job. I have been pressed on with thought that I am not able to provide my kids with all they need. They seem to be having such a good time in Alaska and so I wonder if they would be happier there and, well, I recognize that these thoughts are not from my Heavenly Father. I know that. I realize that I am not going to be able to provide everything that they need but I am giving everything that I have within me to their well being.
Funny that the adversary is working on me right now with these thoughts and then out of the blue I get an email from a friend that is just what I needed. A friend that listened and took the time to send a note. I include the note not because I want to make myself look great and wonderful. I don't. This is more than just a blog, this is my personal journal that I have decided to share with everyone. The note here means a lot to me and I put it here so that I can retain a copy of it. I do not feel that I am worthy of the praise that is heaped upon me. The thoughts shared humble me greatly. The contents however were timely in nature based on the battle I currently wage and I think it amazing that the Lord knows what we need. I will share the note and then say something of its author.
I didn't want to put this out there....I just wanted to tell you how wonderful I think you are. You are quite a man.....you have taken on this role in your life with such grace and joy that I love reading your posts. You lift me up.....you make me know there are really really good people out there doing good things for those they love. Don't ever doubt the role you have been given to live out. You are the rock and foundation for these children and grooming and preparing them for life ahead....out there where we live. Your love for them is obvious, your sense of humor in every situation is endearing.....you have been called upon to train up these children and you are doing a mighty fine job. Sure, there are days when I bet you wonder but when you look back you will know that you were Divinely guided. I always had a saying....." I'll take all of the credit and NONE of the blame." I figure, just like you John, I did the best I could with what I had at the moment. We may have to tweak it down the road......but that's okay....they are flexible. I pray for you and your family every day.......keep up the good work. You are a good man......raising very good children. Love, Susan..
Some of my dear friends are Jeff and Tammy Holmes in Lakeland. Amazing people. I love them dearly. Jeff has always been like a brother to me and let me just throw in that he rocks Neil Diamond karaoke. His signature song - Sweet Caroline. I only hope to deliver it as well as Jeff. Tammy is pure in heart and such an example of service. Anyway, we spent several holidays with Jeff and Tammy, we shared in birthday celebrations and other fun a raucous activities. On our first fourth of July in Florida I met Jeff's parents John and Susan. These are wonderful people. John passed away a few years ago. What a man. So full of life and so full of fun. Susan is equally full of life and fun and she has always been so sweet to me and to the family. I always knew that when I went to a function with the Holmes family I was going to receive some motherly love from Susan.
And so Susan sent me this message today. I don't have any sort of correspondence with Susan, Jeff or Tammy other than seeing the occasional FaceBook post. This message from her was completely out of the blue. I don't believe it was merely coincidence or chance that she sent it. For that I am humbly grateful. Yes, I wept when I read it.
I love people. I am grateful for the people I meet and I look forward to future days when I will meet them again.
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