Every now and then things happen in our lives that remind us of what is important; be it an expressed thought of love, a beautiful sunset or a random act of kindness. Most times we dismiss these little blessings as just coincidence and of no particular significance -- and we would be wrong.
A few years back (April, 2005) in General Conference for the Church of Jesus Christ of Later-day Saints, Elder David A. Bednar gave a talk entitled The Tender Mercies of the Lord. I can say that talk has stuck with me. Honestly, I cannot name one talk that was given during the October 2011 General Conference, but I remember Elder Bednar's talk from all those years ago. The main point that he made in his talk is that there are no coincidences. Every time we have something positive happen to us that seems like it's just a coincidence it's really one more way that the Lord is showing his mercy upon us. I really like that thought!
For the last few weeks I have had a chance to do a lot of thinking and soul-searching. When life gets complex, each of us have opportunities to choose how to handle it. Sometimes we throw ourselves into our work; other times into service. Whatever our coping mechanism is, we tend to become so focused that we can put blinders on. I've found myself in that very situation this week -- so focused on one item that I could not see anything else. Go figure...
I recently stumbled across the following quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson, "Jesus belonged to the race of prophets. He saw with open eyes the mystery of the soul. One man was true to what is in you and me. He, as I think, is the only soul in history who has appreciated the worth of man." I would have to agree that Jesus is the only one who can appreciate the worth of THIS man -- especially when I act like a spoiled child by coming to Him with my demands instead of bending myself to His will. I've really gotta do better.
As I finish my thoughts I am reminded one more time of His tender mercies -- the sun just started to peek over the tops of the mountains. Just one more of His mercies saying, "It's ok, just do a little better today."
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