the kindness of strangers

Last week I had an interesting experience. I went to a church meeting that I DID NOT want to go to, for the sole purpose of getting away from the kids for a couple of hours. As the meeting began, I was feeling sorry for myself. I was pondering the events of the few weeks prior, and had come to the conclusion that most people, in general, just aren't very nice. I had several random experiences that led me to this conclusion...such as, people dumping trash on my doorstep, a total stranger (who I mistakenly thought was trying to be nice) yelling at me for blocking someone's way as I dropped Abbie off at her soccer game (which I had to miss because Ellie had a game at the same time at a different park), an adult (that means you're suppose to be a grown-up, right?) doing something very selfish that confused & disappointed my little Ellie, and the list goes on...

By the end of the meeting, I was frantically taking notes as the Spirit whispered messages that were meant for me. My perspective began to change, and I knew exactly why a loving Father wanted me at that meeting. It's amazing the physical change that came over me as I allowed my heart to soften--my mind seemed to clear, my tense muscles began to relax, the pit in my stomach seemed to disappear, etc. The meeting came to an end, and I felt calm and capable of returning to the responsibilities that awaited me at home.

Then, as I stood to leave, the woman next to me asked if I was the one who's husband was in Afghanistan. I looked at her and her husband, trying to determine how I might know them--I didn't. I answered yes, and must have had a puzzled look on my face, because she quickly explained how she was helping with PTA sign-ups at our recent back-to-school night. She was scheduling people to have their family pictures taken, and I had explained to her that Justin was in Afghanistan, and I didn't really want family pictures without my husband. Her husband was there with her that night, and they asked me the typical questions..."How long will he be gone? How many kids do you have? Do you have family nearby?" As I recalled the conversation, she proceeded to tell me how they had been thinking of me all week. That, in itself, was very touching to me. She then told me how she and her husband had started a business called Piefection, (which I remember going home with one of their flyers that night) where people can order pre-made meals for their families, and they deliver them to their doorstep. Now here's where the "you caught me off guard & now I can't speak" cry began, as she explained that they really wanted to bring me some meals that I could keep in my freezer for crazy days. I literally just sat there and cried (as I thought of the Froot Loops we had for dinner) until the words were able to come. Once I composed myself, I explained to them the negative experiences I had had over the last few weeks, and thanked them for ending my week on a kind note. They took down my address, we chatted for several more minutes, and then we both left. I went to my car and cried some more as I said a prayer of gratitude...not necessarily for the meals (although I was definitely grateful for them), but for the experience.

When I think of the incredible mercy the Lord continually shows each of us, I am overwhelmed by the magnitude of it all. But to me, when people talk of the tender mercies of the Lord, I think of moments just like this. Moments when the Lord blesses us in small ways--things that are meaningful to no one else--simply to remind us of His love for and awareness of us. He knew I needed to be reminded that people can be kind. He knew I needed to feel that someone saw my struggle & empathized with what I was going through. More than anything, He knew I needed to be reminded that He saw my struggle.

One of the speakers at that meeting verbally painted a very detailed image of a parent hushing a child who was scared or hurt, and then told us that our Father in Heaven desires for us to allow Him to do the same for us. In that moment, the image of being embraced by a loving Father, who desires to hush my fears and pains, was so calming. He can't always take our trials from us, but He will guide and comfort us through them...if we allow Him to do so. This requires us to conquer our pride, increase our faith, and turn to Him in all things.


As I've been pondering this experience today, I came across this scripture in the Book of Mormon (Alma 34:38)...

That ye contend no more against the Holy Ghost, but that ye receive it, and take upon you the name of Christ; that ye humble yourselves even to the dust, and worship God, in whatsoever place ye may be in, in spirit and in truth; and that ye live in thanksgiving daily, for the many mercies and blessings which he doth bestow upon you.

I'm so grateful...that's it...I'm just grateful. I feel incredibly blessed in so many ways. I have an amazing husband & four beautiful kids who love me. I'm surrounded by family & friends who have been unbelievably helpful and supportive. Most importantly, I have a sure knowledge of the truthfulness of a perfect Plan that was set in place by a loving Father, and made possible by a selfless & merciful brother...even Jesus Christ. It's no wonder that this Plan is centered in the family--our families, and their eternal potential. We are His family. It's so comforting to know that all He works for and glories in is our salvation--doing all He can to bring us home.


good things...

1. the kindness of strangers
2. the kindness of family & friends
3. the calm of being hushed