Challenges....

I came across this quote on Lisa Bearnson's blog and thought it was worth sharing. I have had my share of trials and I am sure I will have more to come and this quote really spoke to me and my sense of justice. When I am suffering and especially when those I love are suffering I often have a difficult time finding the reason why. It's not easy learning to endure trials with grace and courage.

"No pain that we suffer, no trial that we experience is wasted. It ministers to our education, to the development of such qualities as patience, faith, fortitude and humility. All that we suffer and all that we endure, especially when we endure it patiently, builds up our characters, purifies our hearts and expands our souls, and makes us more tender and charitable, more worthy to be called the children of God." Orson F. Whitney.

I remember so clearly praying that my twins lives would be saved and realizing that my will might not be Gods will. I honestly cannot imagine how I would have handled that outcome, I am grateful to not have to endure that challenge. I also prayed that they would not have to face their challenges while I was pregnant, that they would not be monoamniotic. Yet no matter how many prayers I offered that challenge was not taken from me and I did have to endure months of worry and serious doubts over their lives. Would they make it? Once it was over and we made it I realized that in the end it did help me do many things to suffer like that. First off I learned first hand that God was real, and he was listening to me, and carrying me through my fears and my trials. Second I learned to appreciate the blessing of delivering two live babies and sharing their lives- they have brought so much joy, laughter and fun to our lives. Suffering for them truly helped me appreciate every moment of their blessed lives. It's has been so fun watching them grow and interact together, they truly have touched all that know them. Third I have found so much meaning in volunteering in my hospital helping other preemie moms and helping moderate the Monoamniotic twin website. I never knew the healing and the joy that comes from helping others who are suffering. I have also made many lasting friendships through this same forum. I know God knows better than we do what we need, and what we really want. I am so grateful for that!

I hope I can remember this when I need to in the future. Not all challenges have the desired outcome.