As many of you know, my husband, Jacob, moved to Denver 2 1/2 months ago to start a new job. When he was offered this job, we knew it would be a hard road to take at first, seeing as the kids and I would have to stay behind and sell our house, but we knew it was the right decision for us.
During my pregnancy with Lucy, I learned it's important to find God's tender mercies in each trial. If not, it's easy to become bitter and resentful. To me, tender mercies are the blessings God gives us to get us through tough trials. God didn't promise us our lives would be trial free, but He did promise us He'd help us through our trials.
The other day I thought of many tender mercies I've experienced through this trial and thought I should write them down.
Preparation:
About little over a year ago, Jacob got a job working for Matchbin. It was a good job, but it required him to travel Monday through Thursday, 3 weeks out of the month. While it was a trial at the time, it gave me great preparation for being alone. When he moved to Denver, it was more difficult because I had another child to take care of, and I knew he wouldn't be home every weekend, but I knew I could do it, because I'd done it before. That preparation has been a huge blessing during this time.
Confidence:
Many of you know, I'm afraid of basically everything. During this time, I've had to do many things I'm afraid of and never thought I'd do on my own. It may sound strange, but driving is something that just terrifies me. It always has, and it's even more frightening now that I'm usually driving the two most important things in my life (Simon and Lucy of course!). A few weeks ago, my sweet grandpa passed away and we had to make the trip to Evanston. I was afraid, but I loved my Grandpa and knew I needed to be there for my Grandma. I felt an amazing calm and confidence as I made the trip. I know that was a blessing from Heaven. This is just one example of the things I've been able to do, that I'd never be able to do without the Lord's help.
My family here in Provo:
I am SO blessed to have married into a wonderful family. I have the best in-laws in the world. My wonderful mom-in-law has taken us in and feed us so many times when we've had to leave the house during showings. I'm thankful to have a second home to go to. Thanks Mom Paulsen! And of course I have to mention my amazing sister-in-law Shannon. She is always there for me, lets me come over to her house, visits me and calls me all the time to check up on me. During trials, it's always nice to know there is someone there for you.
Simon:
Those of you who know Simon, know he is... spirited. While he is quite the handful, my life would not be as happy without this boy. Once when Jacob left after a weekend visit, I was quite sad. Simon came to me and said, "Oh Mama; let me give you a love." While hugging me, he said, "It's okay Mama. Dada just went to Denver." He truly is a great kid and he adds so much joy to my life.
Lucy:
Lucy is an AMAZING little girl. Not only is she a very content baby, but she is so happy. I've never seen such a smiley baby. If I'd had a grumpy baby, there is no way I could do all the things I have to do right now. I think the Lord made her a happy baby on purpose. She makes my life easier.
There are many more, but that's all I'll write for now. I know we receive blessings in our trials and if we just look for them, they are obvious. I am thankful we get to grow through our trials. I hope am am taking full advantage of this trial to become the person the Lord wants me to become.
