Monday, November 12, 2012

Trials suck...

Warning... long post. I had an amazing day.
Some of these prompts are a little redundant, so I hope those reading aren't rolling their eyes right now.  Although I've already shared how grateful I am for my trials, something happened today that fits perfectly with what I'm supposed to write about tonight.

I meet a lot of people through work.  I love learning about people, where they come from, what they do for a living, what things we may have in common...I talk.  A lot.  I am always being ribbed about how much I talk, and frankly, I haven't seen any repercussions from it so it's probably not going to change.  After today, I hope I always feel comfortable talking to people, I truly gained so much from my conversation today.  I was helping a gentleman, later in the day with a new mattress.  I had given an amazing spill- and I do believe he'll be back with his wife to buy a new one...

The conversation veered, as it often does with me, to job security.  We talked about how scary it was for our small town right now, and how few people were spending their money with confidence.  I mentioned how some people close to me were struggling with losing jobs, retirement and whatever else, and he said..."I used to think that was the worst thing I could ever have to live through, and then my son died, and I found out how minor a trial losing a job is."

I've been teased at work on and off for being the cheapest shrink in miles.  I have "tell me everything... I'm dying to know"  tattooed on my forehead.  But I needed to hear this tonight.  I thought I knew what it was to be grateful for my trials, but I've not been tested like this gentleman has been, and I now have something else to be grateful for.  Our conversation went on... and on... and on.  He told me many things he learned from going through what he went through.  He gave me amazing insight on true optimism and faith.  I am so grateful I was able to be where I was tonight, because I learned so much from this man.  His son had just graduated High School and started college.  Two months in, he got a call from the school, telling him his son had passed away in his sleep.  He had Myocarditis. basically a virus that attacks your heart.  No one saw it coming- and he was gone.  He'd never done drugs, never drank, never even watched a rated "R" movie.  He'd just finished reading the Book of Mormon for the second time in 6 months that very night.  To say this kid was prepared is an understatement.  His father and I cried when we talked about it, but we also talked about the blessings of being members of a church that knows without a doubt that he will see his son again.

I know there are stronger spirits out there than mine.  I just didn't realize how strong they are.  I will never take for granted the fact that my family is alive and healthy.  I wouldn't want that trial, and I don't know that I could live through it with such a testimony.  Never take your loved ones for granted. 

2 comments :

Joey said...

It's all about perspective and time gives us all that. Thank goodness for "time". It is true what your friend said about losing a loved one. Those phone calls are honestly life changing.Thank goodness we know what we know and we can lean on our faith and our Savior's love though those awful and heartbreaking times.

Live through it...What choice do we have? You could do it if you had to also, we all can, the tricky part is to come out of the experience with the perspective that this man has!

Cambria said...

Great, you brought the pregnant woman to tears before 8:00 AM!!!!

This story does make you think about things, that's for sure