Lessons Learned

I was talking with a friend the other day who is struggling with postpartum.

During the course of the conversation she said,

"Though I would never wish what happened to you on anyone it sure seems like you learned a lot."

 I don't think I have done a post on the lessons/changes I am able to recognize 

which came from the past two years.

So, this is my attempt....in no specific order

• I am back in school
• Forgiveness of others and myself
• Acceptance of situations beyond my control
• Perspective, I really belief the ultimate worse situation would be to have my family torn apart
• Total reliance on the Lord
• Change of course, I feel like I am on a completely different path a better path.
• I have tasted "bitter" and now the "sweet"
• Regain/gain trust in myself
• Appreciate the blessing of children
• Knowledge of how to help Allie and Jackson
• Found peace at living in Michigan
• Learned how to pray for enemies - a huge blessing of the atonement.
• Better marriage - I can't tell you how many times I heard... "I can't believe your marriage lasted through this." I didn't have a bad marriage before but it is better.
• Empathy to help others
• Testimony of Visiting Teaching
• Divine institution of presidencies (I was primary president at the time. I was blessed with an amazing presidency.)
• Self-care: mental and physical
• Role of the Holy Ghost in the Godhead
• Tolerance: this goes for many different things on many different levels

Most of these lessons have a story behind them. Some have a very long story behind them. There have been wounds, some I am not sure will heal, but time helps in understanding the blessings and miracles. I guess what I am trying to say is I wish I could have learned these things a different way but at the same time I am grateful to have learned them. I hope the lessons can stick because I really don't look forward to "refresher" courses.