Thoughtful Thursday: Trials

Okay, so I almost never get to this until Friday, but "Thoughtful Thursday" is a better title, so I'll keep trying.

Having to depend on government programs to sustain our children's life and happiness four months now, naturally I find myself thinking about trials. When I first got married, I thought about trials a lot too. I had watched my parents go through some pretty tough times and I had heard about my in laws tough times. Financial problems, health issues, family problems, accidents, bad luck strikes everyone. No one is exempt.

When I was first married, I said to myself that I wanted to do well during trials.I did not want the way I reacted to hard times make the the hard times more difficult for my family. That, of course, is easier said than done.

This hard time has been a little tougher and longer. After about two months ago I was giving way to critical feelings of my husband and depression. For about a week, I wasn't being who I ought to be. Then some one told me that while trials come to everyone, Christ's atonement covers any and all mental suffering. We can choose to give that suffering over to the Savior or let it take us over. I knew which choice I wanted.

Immediately I began doing things that I knew would help me fight off depression. I prayed more throughout the day and I started playing hymns on the piano everyday. I have been trying to keep the house cleaner and being a little more physically active. All of these things help me avoid stress, doubt, and critical feelings.

Everyday, I tell myself that the only thing I can control in this situation is how I react to it. Knowing that there is one way to be in control of this situation, helps me a lot. I like a bit of control in my life, and contoling my thoughts and emotions is about the easiest thing there is to control.

I am happy. I have a good life. I can deal cheerfully with trials as they come.