I learned a few things. I drew upon some experience and patience actually. I knew that eventually the pain would go away. I didn't know how it would happen or when. But, I knew it wouldn't last forever. I was right. It did take about 10 days. But, on that 10th day when I finally felt some relief, I was so very grateful.
I also learned that being grateful during massive amounts of pain is not easy. I don't know that I succeeded in my quest for gratitude. I tried not to impose my misery on the rest of my family, but I don't know if that worked either.
My thoughts continue to gravitate towards Job of the Old Testament. He was the richest man in the land. He had everything. One by one, right after each other, everything was taken from him. All of his possessions and his children. (Just as a side note: I wonder why the Lord didn't allow his wife to be taken too)
When losing all the possessions and children didn't deter his love of God, he was stricken with boils and horrible physical ailments. His friends and wife told him to curse God and die. In those days, when bad things happened to you, it was obviously something YOU did that brought the bad luck. It's interesting that Job did not subscribe to that train of thought. He was sure of his place and relationship with the Lord. Not once does he falter. He remains strong and determined.
I've come to really love Job. Especially during his trials. Yes, all of his possessions were given back twofold. His children were also given back to him. But, that's not why I like this story. I like it and feel drawn to it because of his perseverance and faith. No doubt this man was filled with gratitude.
President Monson suggested that gratitude is the parent of all virtues. I believe it. Gratitude is the ability to see what one does have even when it doesn't look like much. Clearly Job had nothing. Not even the support of his wife and friends during his time of trial. But, because he was grateful for his relationship with the Lord, he was able to focus on what that really meant and hang on to it. He understood that Jesus was his Redeemer and that the worldly things he enjoyed were icing on the cake. All of the worldly possessions were stripped of this man and yet, he was still hopeful and able to sing the praises of the Lord.
I look forward to meeting Job one day. To thank him for his great example and his strong testimony. I hope that I'll be able to duplicate his example to those I love.
I'm thankful for good parents that taught me to hang on to the precious testimony of Jesus being my Redeemer. They have been such good examples to me of doing the hard thing. They have been my heroes more than they'll ever know.
Here's to having gratitude as our parent virtue! I hope that we'll all be able to build upon this happy foundation.
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