I find that if I take the time to appreciate the little things, I experience joy. When I'm at the cottage....walking by this little corner hutch makes me smile. I think of the people who have given me these things and I experience joy.
This little corner in the cottage kitchen....makes me smile- love the color of the chairs.
I've spent the last week...thinking about worrying about cancer- fun right? It's not been so bad...not fun...but not so bad.
While my Dad was in getting his bone scan- I read this quote from Dieter F. Uchtdorf book "Your Happily Ever After."
"In Fairly tale stories, as in life, adversity teaches us things we cannot learn otherwise. Adversity helps to develop a depth of character that comes in no other way. Our loving Heavenly Father has set us in a world filled with challenges and trials so that we, through opposition, can learn wisdom, become stronger, and experience joy."
I was glad I found that little book to read while Dad was getting his bone scan. I had read a few pages to Dad before he went into receive his treatment....
"Sandwiched between their "Once upon a time" and "happily ever after," they all had to experience great adversity. {talking about fairy tales}
"Dads comment as he was getting his shot- Will I glow in the dark? got us all laughing.
He helped us experience joy...even in the depth of his pain. {We found out later that the cancer had spread to most of the bones in his upper body...but, still it wasn't the end of the world for him.} We came home took care of the chickens had dinner laughed and talked...we experience joy.
The day after I got home from my Dads- Danny and I went to Stanford, again another cancer test....all is well and things are good, a much better outcome than my Fathers. We all have life challenges some turn out better than others....we each have our own trials to bare.
"It is your reaction to adversity, not the adversity itself, that determines how your lifes story will develop." -Dieter F. Uchtdorf
"Adversity and afflictions shall be but a small moment; then if you endure it well, God shall exalt you on high." D&C 121:7-8
All around me are small little things that bring me joy- it's up to me to experience the joy that they bring.
My Once upon a Time is now and I'm working on my HappilyEver After....and experiening joy sandwiched between the trials.
