Brooke and Will,
I told this on text to our family last week but want to tell you again here in your book.
I was thinking about how in our lives sometimes we get so worried or caught up in the difficult things around us or in our lives, that we fail to see the beauty and gifts that we have been given, right in front of us.
When Will and I were at Alta Mira in Guatemala, the thing that stood out to me was how scared I was about going onto that hand. In my defense, we did see complete houses being held with construction methods of stacked water jugs as the column to a roof. I had the thoughts like, there aren't regulations or checks here and who knows what's holding this piece of art in the air thousands of feet high, that I am going to go out on? I loved how pretty it was, but I was more focused on my worry that I might fall and die. I was impressed with the work of Our Almighty Father, God in Heaven in the miraculous beauty of the earth that I was staring at, but I wanted to hurry and get the part I was afraid of over. I did overcome my fear as you know. ( I have proof in the photo ) Since I more than got over being afraid but triumphed it in a big way with going on with my heels, the next day with Audrey's family.
Those who were there knew I almost didn't even step on that hand so high in the air. So, how did I do it? With help. The guide we were with (Luis) , actually helped me go on the hand by taking my hand and walking with me and telling me its safe. In our lives we have the help of Jesus and those He gives us. Jesus is like Luis helping me or Jesus helping us do something hard and scary as we are literally also putting ourselves in His hand, it takes trust to know that even the daily frustrations, trials or major trials like sickness, pain, financial, relationships, work success, in all of these things we must literally do what we can and then trust in Jesus and God our Father.
Now when I see my picture I was thinking about how in His hand we can triumph and we don't need to be so scared that we miss the beauty of the gifts we have right in front of us and the awe inspiring events that show us God is in the details of our lives. If we get so worried about what if, then we also can't help those around us that need us to take their hand like Jesus.
I read this talk with this beautiful quote. In the quote it reminds me that even when or if things aren't perfect or might not go well the first time doesn't mean and it made me think about how we are in good hands. The best of hands. The hands that gave us ALL GOOD things we have and that's a lot.
"I witness to you that through the staggering goodness of Jesus Christ and His infinite Atonement, we can escape the deserved agonies of our moral failings and overcome the undeserved agonies of our mortal misfortunes. Under His direction, your divine destiny will be one of unparalleled magnificence and indescribable joy—a joy so intense and so unique to you, your particular “ashes” will become beauties “beyond anything earthly.”
