"When things are darkest... the stars come out!"
I don't know if that makes sense to you!!!
Let me explain!
I have a number of examples that may give you an idea of what I mean!
When I was in 7th grade... I had 2 of my brothers in a horrible car accident! The one closest in age to me, Jared, had minor bruises and scrapes! My brother just older then him, Jacob, was worse off, he had been thrown from the car! He was transported to the hospital and was quickly life flighted to the University of Utah hospital! He had head injuries and had broken his back! He went straight into an 8 hour surgery to repair the damage in his back! They soon came in with the devastating news that my brother..... who loved sports and was always running around.... was paralyzed! Serious? At 15, he would be in a wheel-chair for the rest of his life... is what they said! My brother, not for one minute believed them. To make a long story short, 7 weeks later... he was able to come home, and the long arduous process of healing began! He shortly was able to wiggle his toe... it was such a small wiggle that you had to practically put your face right next to his foot! But small as it was.... it was still a wiggle! I remember his forehead sweating just from the exertion it took for him to move his toe! But we rejoiced! And he is now able to walk with a cane! He hasnt ever gotten complete movement back thus far, but he was able to regain some! Atleast he is not in a wheelchair all of the time!
You may be wondering what this story has to do with my title???
Bad things happen.... Hard times come.... Life has trials.... but if we take a moment and realize... that it doesn't have to end there... that amazingly there are good things that come from trials, depending upon how we react to it... we can become broken from them, or we can become stronger because of them!
In the midst of having my brother in a wheel chair and life turning upside down for him and our family, I learned so many things I can hardly begin to count! I learned Christ-like love ( I had to carry my brother up and down the stairs to the bathroom... and yes...I was strong enough to, and was proud of the opportunity to serve him!!! ) I realized the power of faith and prayers.... the whole community was praying for my brother, and had the faith that he would walk again! I learned that no matter what life may throw at you, your attitude can make all the difference... Jacob was always upbeat, happy, and never once asked why or felt sorry for himself... he is amazing... I learned what a true super hero really was... because he became mine!!! :)
Fast forward quite a few years... I am pregnant with my 7th child, things during labor took a turn for the worse...I ended up having to have an emergency c-section without any anesthesia, and they had no idea how long my baby had gone without blood and oxygen so he was life flighted to the U of U hospital! 12 days later, we were able to bring him home and he is doing wonderful! Although many people may consider that an ordeal... I learned so much from it! First of all, I learned that I am SUPER WOMAN!! haha, just kidding! I was able to gain an appreciation for the miracles of GOD that are performed everyday! I gained a love beyond description for my children and realized how blessed I am everyday..... chaos included!! I learned that the hand of God is so prevalant in our lives each and everyday... we just have to open our eyes to all the things he does for us, the strategy and planning and thought that he takes into account on our behalf to make things work for our good...while still leaving our agency intact and uncompromised!
A few months later.... the death of my 15 year old sister!!! Many will ask, how can any good come of a death so tragic??? Let me tell you!!! Every morning I wake up and thank my Heavenly Father for another day on this earth to make my mark... Everyday, I express appreciation for the people in my life both here and in heaven! I think twice about the time I spend or don't spend with my family and friends! I thank God everyday for the privelege of having my 2 sisters in my life and that I was able to atleast keep one of them!! Family bonds are tightened and strengtened with tragedy... though it's hard, I am greatful for the strength shared!
So When things are darkest.... the stars come out!!! When life is surrounded by tragedy and despair and we think it can't possible get any darker... we receive a special blessing.... little flickers of light everywhere... if we open our eyes to their presence we will see how, even the darkest times can be over powered by little beams of light... and before we know it.... our life is filled with light! Every little thing that brings a smile to your face... every morning you wake up to face a new day, every little hug your children give you, every thing you can look at and realize how blessed you are to have it, every time we are faced with adversity and you choose to still see the good around you, will bring more light into your life and fill your heart with love and understanding!!! So when life seems unbearable and you don't know how you can possibly face another thing.... Hold on........ 'the stars WILL come out!!!! They always do!! But p.s.............remember to open your eyes!!! :)
