I absolutely love this picture and I almost forgot that I had taken it until I was browsing through some of my picture files tonight. I took this awesome picture when we were visiting a family cabin in Colorado. What a beautiful state to visit.
We were taking a nice afternoon walk and as I came upon the top of this hillside, I was instantly captivated by this lone tree. I loved the contrast of the tree against the blue sky and fluffy clouds. I definitely need to paint this someday.
You are probably wondering why I have labeled this post “Reflections on Life and Change”? Well lately I have had the opportunity to reflect a lot upon life. I have thought a lot of the blessings in my life, some of the heartaches I have experienced in my life, as well a the sweet tender moments, I have reflected a lot about my own sweet family, as well as my amazing family I grew up with, and most recently I have reflected a lot about change, and my inner beliefs.
About a month ago we found out that my husband had a wonderful opportunity come up within his company that will require us to move out of state. We just moved to our current location 3 years ago in March. But, within three years I have fallen in love with where I live. I love the people and friends we have made, the beautiful scenery we are surrounded by, the opportunity I have had to have my own preschool, and pretty much everything about where I live. However, I do know that with the economy the way it is, we are very blessed to have a job.
Even though I know that this is going to be an amazing opportunity for my little family in so many ways, I have really struggled with our decision to accept the offer that was presented to us. I guess in some ways it has been selfish reasons, but I also think that change can be really difficult, especially when we are content with where we are in life.
What I have finally realized is that only when we are taken out of our comfort zone, and we have to rely on those that are close to us and our Heavenly Father, and our Savior, are the times when we have the opportunity to really grow and learn as a person.
So here are my final thoughts and reflections:
1st – This past week my parents, and one of my sisters flew in to help get our house ready to be put up for sale. I have to tell you, I am eternally grateful that I was born into such an amazing, and selfless family. They did so much for us in a week, and it definitely wasn’t what I would call a vacation! If you are lucky enough to have a Mom, Dad, Sibling, Grandparent, Aunt, Uncle, Cousin, or Friend that you are close to, tell them how much you love them and how grateful you are for them. It could be a quick phone call, short visit, e-mail, text, or card, anything to let them know what they mean to you. These little acts of service and love go a long way.
I had a beautiful and tenacious friend that passed away three years ago this past January on her 30th birthday. Her life was cut tragically short due to domestic violence, leaving two beautiful children behind. Her unthinkable death was really difficult for me to deal with. But, one of the things I always try to keep in my heart is that we don’t know when it will be our time to leave this earth, so it is very important to love others and bring happiness into others lives as much as possible. Just like the love that our Savior shows to us.
2nd– When it comes right down to it and jobs are put aside, hobbies are put aside, outside obligations are put aside, my comfort zone is put aside, my family is my number one priority and what I hold the most dear to my heart. There are so many “Good” things out in the world today that it is often times easy to get distracted with what means the most to us. So, even though the I don’t exactly know what lies ahead of us in this new “moving” adventure, I do know that I am fortunate enough to have a wonderful husband, two darling daughters, and two cute doggies to share this new chapter of my life with.
3rd– FAITH. Boy, do I rely on faith a lot. In fact in my Primary Class (I teach the 7 year olds at my church) our lesson this past Sunday was having “Faith in Jesus Christ”. When I was teaching this lesson to the sweet little children in my class, I felt like it was something I needed to hear at this time in my life. I taught them that “Faith is to hope for things which are not seen, but which are true!” Isn’t it amazing how when we teach, often times we as the teacher are the ones who learn?
4th– And finally, I can do this! I can go through the somewhat difficult task of selling a house, moving to a new state with my family, and starting all over. Why do I know this, because like my favorite scripture says, “For with God, nothing Shall be Impossible“ (St. Luke 1:37). And, I can constantly pray to my Heavenly Father for strength and guidance
May God bless all of you in your lives at this time!
Shauna, thank you so much for sharing your thoughts. I'm really struggling right now, and there were so many things that you said that struck a chord with me. I'm teaching RS on the 27th, the conference talk by Pres. Uchtdorf "of things that matter most" and I am getting answers that apply to me right now through so many sources. Today you were one of those sources. Thanks for sharing your heart…today it helped me. Love, elaine
Oh, and I love the photo! It reminds me of one of my favorite artists, Tal Walton. He is in our stake, and alot of his art focuses on trees, with 3 distinct panels representing our 3 phase journey.
Elaine, thanks so much for your wonderful, and encouraging comments. You know as I was typing this post I kept thinking to myself, I am not sure why I am sharing all of this, but maybe someone just needs to hear something I have to say. I am glad I listened to that still small voice, because it sounds like it helped you a little. Your are in my thoughts. You are a WONDERFUL person. Remember that! God bless you & your family.
Thanks, Shauna. We are so blessed to know you from afar!