This week I received an email announcing a bake sale to raise funds for Stephanie and Christian Nielson's recovery fund. Since I have been anxiously looking for a way in which to contribute, I jumped at the chance. I emailed Jaryn McGrath, whose idea it was to have this bake sale; and she welcomed the help.
Yesterday morning, my kitchen was turned into a bakery and I got to work. I enlisted the help of the other house elves, and we produced quite a load of goodies to take over. Jaryn had a great display set up in her front yard and had a line of customers when we pulled up. We left our cookies, cupcakes and pumpkin bread in her capable hands and went home.
Today Jaryn emailed me to say that the bake-sale had earned $400.00 for the Nielson's recovery fund. I appreciate the opportunity to do something tangible to help this family whose lives have truly touched my heart.
Thanks to Jaryn for coming up with this idea, and allowing me to play a small part.
Different situations I've encountered lately have given me cause for reflection. Recently I've taken stock of those things which bring joy to my life...
I keep in touch with my dear friend, Kerrianne Burch, mostly through our family blogs. Kerrie is younger than me by 15 years, but wiser than I am, by many more than that. In a recent blog, Kerrie told of her friends who had been severely injured in a private plane crash. It moved me so much that I followed links to their family blogs and learned more. I haven't been able to get this sweet family out of my thoughts since. My family was so moved by their circumstances that they've been included in our prayers everyday.
Recently, Kerrie's husband, Doug, was in a car accident. Thankfully, he is ok, but it prompted Kerrie to share some thoughts she had. With her permission, I'd like to share them with you.
"I then find myself asking the same question I did when my own father passed away when I was still a 'child' myself, "Why do bad things happen to good people?" No doubt, we all have our own answer to this question. Sometimes it's easier for me to let it go than others, but this week, my answer seems to be this: Because He planned for so much more to come from it. More than what we can see initially, more than we can really comprehend, more than this life, perhaps.
I've witnessed this with my own trials in the past, and wish for the same blessings to those who are enduring equally, if not more heart-wrenching tragedies in their own lives presently.
I suppose growth is proportional to experience. And experiences, good and bad, are critical elements of life itself. Somehow, the two go hand in hand in creating the person that we are.
I know some exceptional people. Some of those exceptional people are suffering greatly. Thank you for being exceptional. Because I know something so much more will oneday, someday come from what you are now going through. In your exceptional-ness, others around you are able to grow because they get to watch it take place."
Like Kerrianne, I know some exceptional people who are experiencing exceptional challenges in their lives. I know that while these challenges are occurring, it seems hard to look ahead and see the light. I agree with Kerrie, that maybe these things happen so better things will come from them. Perhaps even blessing we never imagined.
We don't always get to know why things happen the way they do. In the life-lessons I've learned along the way, I have taken comfort in the knowledge that Heavenly Father always knows why. In that knowledge, I've found peace that comes from putting myself in His hands and letting Him lead me where I need to go in order to become who He wants me to become. As I've done so, I've found the greatest peace, joy, and comfort in my life.
For those among you who are struggling with life's challenges, I wish all things to "work together for your good". Know that you are being brought to Heaven's attention through the love and prayers offered in your behalf. Sometimes in order to get through the next moment and deal with the very next thing that must be done, it helps to lay your burden at God's feet and let Him give you peace - even for a moment. Take heart, have faith, and hold on...the light will come.
