52 blessings

Dear Readers,

It is that time of year again.  Spring, flowers blooming, finally a little warm weather.  Grass starting to green up, fields being newly plowed, waiting for a seed to nourish, to bring it to it's full potential, whether it be a stalk of corn, a bushel of wheat, a dandelion.  Yard work being done, trees being pruned.  Barbecues being readied for the summer season.  People shedding their old winter coats, new goals for weight loss in order to have "summer bodies".  Children counting down days until summer vacation.

It also is the time of the death of my sister on April 27.  Last year, I did a tribute to Cathy.  She is (was) nine years older than me and we were not great friends until after I had gone away to college, gotten married, gotten divorced and moved back home.  Then we became great friends.  I miss her still, and today has been a solemn day, with my emotions skimming the surface.  I have often been in tears, by the mere mention of anything relating to family.  We went to a missionary farewell, where he talked about his family and how they had strengthen him throughout all of his trials.  We went to a missionary homecoming, where she talked about the experience of families being strength by their belief in Jesus Christ and also of the support her family.  I felt the strength of my immediate family, my husband, my children, and also my extended family, my sisters, my brother, my parents. 

As we have been going through this time of unemployment, we have included our children in many of the steps we have been taking.  We talked to them about the cutbacks we would have to make, the jobs that we are being considered for, the consequences of possibly having to move.  Throughout all, they have been supportive.  They show concern certainly for not having money for things, but also for their father, and for his self esteem.  We have asked them to pray for employment in their prayers, we have asked them to fast for guidance in finding employment, and we have asked them to be more thoughtful of the things that they do, that we don't waste any of the means that we have been given.  And they have done so.  Their strength has been marvelous, and I wonder at it.

I'm sure by now you are wondering at the meanderings of my somewhat addled brain.  What is the blessing of today?  Today I'm feeling the spirit of the Holy Ghost in my life.  It is still comforting me over the loss of a beloved sister, daughter, mother, wife.  It gives me strength with the support of my family and extended family.  It gives us guidance in helping us to find employment, and to involve our children and their strength in that process.  I'm grateful for that Spirit, given to us by a loving, kind and understanding Heavenly Father. 

This is my blessing for today.