Free agency...you know that gift we've all been given and I do re-iterate ALL have been given it, yes, that right and that gift that allows us ALL to make choices whether right or wrong -- well, that's what was on my mind tonight when I was driving home. As I do most days as soon as I get into my car I make a phone call usually first to my home to let my family know I'm on the way and to see if dinner is squared away. Second, if not first somedays, I call my parents to check on them and make sure their day was okay and the like. My mom is such an angel first of all and I truly believe she has a divine gift of ESP where her children are concerned and she always knows when to just listen to my spill. Well, tonight after work was one of those times. She listened so intently to each word I said and though I won't get into the logistics of the conversation, she truly listened and the point I got across was about doing the right thing. I have alot of this part of my mother in me as she really hurts and worries when others choose to not do the right thing. As I talked and she listened, I learned some new things about myself just by venting my feelings to her about some things that had been on my mind and some concerns I had about things close to me. I appreciate her listening and allowing me the opportunity to express some concerns I had and I know she felt what my heart was feeling. You see she is really special like that -- and I so wish I could be more like her. My mother truly is one of the most giving people in the entire universe. She never, ever meets a stranger and if she meets you she doesn't forget the details of the meeting. She remembers the needs of those she meets and she follows through to see if all possible that those needs can be met. For years as long as I can remember my parents always go out shopping on Christmas Eve -- not for themselves but to scout out in search of those who are scrambling to be able to put Santa under a tree and so many times it was through their kindness that a many a child was able to have Santa for Christmas -- all without any attention brought to them. I've watched them load the car with goodies and food galore to deliver on hundreds of occasions so someone would not do without. Yes, they truly do the right thing. As I arrived home tonight to an empty house the peace just seemed to engulf me. The quietness that is such a rarity brought me comfort of knowing that this truly is my refuge. I absolutely ADORE home -- it's not a mansion but it's our mansion and it's not filled with the finest of furnishings but it is HOME and to me it is the most beautiful place on earth -- for it is here that I find the love and the peace away from the things of the world and it's the place I spend with my family, my greatest treasure of all. As I sat eating my dinner alone of Corn Pops, it was delicious and I am so glad to be at home. All the thoughts I had throughout the day of choices that not only I but also those who are close to me that I love so much have made and are making just seem not that important because I know after my drive home that the Lord knows us so intricately. He loves us and knows every fiber of our being and every desire of our hearts -- and by us I mean each and every single one of us -- each one who has been given that gift of agency. It is because of His love for us that He has given us that gift and allows us to make choices, whether good or bad. Does knowing that make it less painful to watch those we love make choices that we know will not bring good consequences? No, not really, but it does give me peace and comfort knowing that I am not the judge and the Lord sees the entire picture, not just the opening and closing acts. I'm no stranger to bad choices and way too many times I've reacted to situations in ways that have brought very unpleasant consequences. However, though, I have felt of the Lord's love afterwards and I know that His love is immeasurable and there is nothing in this entire universe like it. He has promised He will go before us and He will be on our right hand and our left -- He knows all and there is nothing we will experience in this life He has not already felt for us. For this fact, I even more want to do the right thing. I am so grateful for my testimony of our Savior Jesus Christ. I know He lives and He answers prayers, no matter how great or how small. He loves me and He loves you and He wants us to make the right choices that will bring us back to Him someday so that we can live with Him and be reunited with our families someday for eternity. I'm so thankful that He placed me with such a loving earthly mother and father and for the teachings they've taught me in choosing the right -- I pray to be a better example of the things they've taught me. Thanks, Mom and Daddy, I love you both so much. Thank you for being patient with me and for loving me so much -- I hope I can be half the parent ya'll have been to me.
Love forever,
Just Me :)
