My girls thought it was fun at first... being like pioneers, using candles etc. Once the fascination of it wore off, they were upset and frustrated. All they could do was complain... "I wish we had power...I wish this, I wish that..." "everybody else on our street has power...how come we don't?"
I admit, there were times I was grumbling...and murmuring to myself those same sentiments. And then I made myself take a step back and look at the BIG picture.
We HAVE a house. We HAVE our family. We were SPARED any serious damage. We HAVE the Savior to rely on for help. We HAVE the gospel in its fullness to enrich our lives. So then I thought to myself...Who am I to complain?!
We had a friend from church who lost their home in this dreadful event. They were spared a more tragic loss because they followed direct inspiration to support a relative. They weren't planning to go, they didn't HAVE to go. As a matter of fact, they didn't know how they were going to afford taking a trip like that. But when they prayed about it, they felt it the RIGHT thing to do. So in last minute efforts they made the arrangements and were on their way. The day they left, the slept in putting them behind schedule. All these little things were blessings, and promptings. Had they not been on vacation, Dad would have been at work, and Mom would have been home with 3 kids, and very possibly killed. They LIVE!!!
They got the phone call saying there had been a tornado, and their house was gone. They turned around and came home to deal with what was left.
My husband had come home from work that day, and grabbed a few things and headed out the door to help this family with whatever he could. He told me that this family was grateful they listened and obeyed the promptings to be on vacation. They were alive and safe. The things in the house...that was just Stuff...Stuff can be replaced. Family members, sure we'll see them again, but nobody replaces the hole they leave once departed.
How grateful and blessed we are to have the Fullness of the Gospel in our day. To know that the Savior LIVES!!! His Atonement makes it possible for us to return to live with Him.
And he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people. Alma 7:11 (in the Book of Mormon)
Don't Sweat the Small Stuff... Those Things Can Be Replaced. Be Anxiously Engaged in His Cause.
