Sunday Lessons, From Experience Alone

I'm finding that in every episode of life, there are HUGE lessons that I learn and can therefore apply to others, so that I can show an increase in patience, love, and empathy to everyone I am placed in contact with through my mortal journey.  The power of those lessons aren't felt by many through innate knowledge; it is by experience that we learn compassion.

I've not been able to do 90% of what I could do 3 months ago--and that includes hauling all my children off to church on those Sunday's that I have worked my night shifts and am left to battle the home front alone; 4 children, my current health, and no sleep is already an impossible task.  While I shouldn't be concerned about what others may interpret as my "excuse" for not being at church, I still have slight issues with people's perceptions of me. I'm happy to admit my faults, by the way, because it makes me feel more human.  I'm happier to work on them, moreover, because it makes me feel more divine.  

As I lay in bed, about ready to doze off, I can think of a hundred things I can say--reasons I can give for my choice to be home on these Sunday mornings, the reasons I stay in bed.  However, stating them would be contrary to what my weaknesses are meant to teach me.  Instead, I can ponder my trials, and between me and God, I can rest assured that I'm doing everything I can to live to my potential.  Now, after some tribulation and heartache I never wanted, tried to fight, but surely got, I KNOW what it means to feel the judgement of others when you are trying your best....but your best looks like failure on the outside.  Taking a step inside, if you must, helps clear the view, dissipates foggy perceptions and poorly conceived opinions.  How beautiful are those who never "have" to take a step inside to have compassion upon a soul; those eyes belong to living Angels.  Yet, I do believe that becoming vulnerable enough to truly navigate your way into a persons struggles, with no intent but to help them through, is the ultimate token of love and friendship--blessed are the few who do that for one another.   

"ALL these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good...."  When we stop taking offense to the mistakes of others, but we start looking at how we may have erred  in our approach, we can truly recognize that scripture for its worth.  

Now, baby #6 and I are off to sleep, healing our bodies as we slumber, while kiddos 1, 2, 4, and 5, snack, play, and enjoy some down time.  Good morning, and Goodnight....

A picture for the baby record....this work of growing a baby is harder than ever.  Heaven help me.