Jason Wright wrote an article challenging readers to count six blessings that filled 2013. Amidst reflecting on the past rough year and hoping for better things for the one to come, I immediately thought this would be a great way to change my current thought patterns. So here's six of the blessings that filled my 2013.
First, I had the amazing opportunity to go on a cruise to the Western Caribbean at the beginning of the year. I thought it would be a lot of fun and a great time to socialize with hundreds of other LDS singles. To my surprise, the best part of this whole experience was seeing the beauty of these areas of the earth and meeting the people that live there. After meeting and getting to know a shop keeper on our first stop in Cozumel, I decided to get to know one person in each place we docked. It was amazing to meet some of my brothers and sisters that live in places so far away. To me it was like touching heaven.
Second, while I had moved into a new ward in 2012, it was in the early months of 2013 that I felt established and accepted in my new ward. I have met new friends that have been through similar challenges as I and we have been able to support each other. We all know that God put us in each others lives for a reason. These will be long-lasting relationships, what a gift!
Third, I have had more health challenges plague me this year, but I have received absolutely overwhelming support from friends and family. I had a thought a few years ago when I became so ill I was in the hospital, that even if the only reason I had gotten sick was to show me how much I really am cared about, I would be grateful. I have been shown how much I am loved in times when I have really needed it.
Fourth, I finally approached a problem with my teeth that I had brushed under the rug for several years. I found out I needed jaw surgery to fix it. I felt it was the right thing to do, but didn't think having my jaw sawed in half was an exciting occurrence-can you blame me? But a week after surgery I got to see my new smile for the first time and couldn't hold back the tears. My smile was healthy and beautiful! I now have a healthy bite that isn't damaging my teeth or causing more problems with my jaw. The surgery was life-changing, and was a blessing I didn't realize at the time I made the decision to have it. That makes my joy and gratitude all the greater!
Fifth, I have experienced some great heartache and heartbreak this year that have brought me to my knees. While there I asked for many things-great and small-that I desired. And time and time again my prayers were answered with what I asked for. I have learned that God will answer our prayers, and sometimes in better ways than we could expect, so maybe we need to just ask Him for more of what we desire! He'll find a way to grant us things that will bless us.
Sixth, I lost someone very dear to me this year. The last but greatest blessing of this year has been the pure and perfect love I have developed from having this person in my life that I never could have imagined. If there was one word I could use to sum up this past year it would be Love. Not because I received it, but because I have felt and developed the kind of unconditional love our Heavenly Father has for His children. This is one of the greatest blessings I have ever received, and I am eternally grateful.
What are six of the blessings that filled your 2013?
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