You know what is really interesting? … How quickly life has come back to normal for me recently.
My ward boundaries split at the beginning of the year. At first, I was sad about the change. I had grown to love the people of that ward and felt that they accepted me for who I was. Just before the boundaries split, a former bishop, Bishop Matheson, bore testimony of the necessity for change. He promised that the boundary change was inspired and would bring necessary change in our lives that would help us to grow and become more. When he first said that I pondered what that meant for me. I actually caught myself wondering if I would find my future husband in this ward, ha ha! … I have given up on that thought… but, the other changes that have come with this change have been nothing short of God’s miracles.
I call them miracles because I can’t quite explain them. I don’t know why all of the sudden, with the change of ward boundaries, serving my neighbors is available to me when it didn’t seem like it was in my other ward. I prayed for these opportunities for me and my children and have since been able to provide several meals to people, help with activities and clean the church. I was overcome with love and gratitude for my Heavenly Father when hearing the bubbly laughter of my children as they emptied garbage cans and vacuumed the church hallways. And even more so when after we were finished, I took them to get donuts and my younger daughters says, “Mommy, you don’t have to pay us for cleaning the church, it was actually really fun!”
I don’t know why all of the sudden, with the change of ward boundaries, I have met so many women who have been curious to learn and know more of my experiences with divorce, having someone they love in the same situation and not knowing how to best help, but wanting to. I am always open to sharing.
I don’t know why all of the sudden, with the change of ward boundaries, my ward feels like coming home to me. I don’t really know anyone super well, but I feel like they are all long time friends. I love the older people in the ward and their life experiences they share.
I don’t know why all of the sudden, with the change of ward boundaries, my front door stays wide open while random neighborhood kids run through my house playing made up games with my kids and I bake cookies for them to snack on afterwards. My kids are back to being normal kids again.
Maybe I’m jumping the gun a little, but all of the sudden, life seems like it is back to normal – and I don’t know why, I can’t exactly put my finger on it. Maybe it is because I have prayed for service opportunities? Maybe it is because I have been praying to be able to provide stability and support to my children to help rebuild their lives in the best way possible? Maybe it is because God loves His children and hears their prayers? Maybe it is because God simply works miracles for His children? Maybe it is all of it?
I don’t know why, but I am so very grateful for it. My Heavenly Father always seems to know how to make me feel loved. I am baffled at the amazing ways He molds my life. He is so smart. I am humbled by His love and never ending willingness to work for me. He offers me continual happiness. I don’t deserve it, but so dearly love Him for it! It feels so good to feel normal again.
Forever grateful.
