Things Learned

Life is interesting.  How things happen, what you learn about yourself because of them.  When grandpa passed, I slowed my life down.  I let the dog hair pile up, I didn't do a load of laundry everyday, the dishes I used on one day, may have sat for a week before I bothered with it.  I didn't work on future lesson plans for students I haven't met yet.  I didn't meet with my collegues to make our tests, lessons, etc. better.  I just went to grandpa's house and sat in a chair and watched the Lord prepare to take him home.  I visited with my extended family for hours.  I was comforted by the Holy Ghost and I learned things.
I learned that I don't always stop long enough to be comforted/taught by the Spirit.  That Heavenly Father is so close to me, but sometime I let my life's noise overpower the sweet whisperings of the Spirit.  The closeness of heaven is, but a choice for me to quiet myself and listen.

While in this state of quietly listening I learned a lot of things.  Most are personal to me, to my calling at church, why I am teaching instead of principaling (is that even a word? lol).  But, one thing I learned, that I had buried from myself is that I am hiding.  When I first became a member of the church I was picked on by my family, mostly my siblings.  My new choices for myself and my children were foreign to them.  So, what did I do, I quit hanging around them so that I did get picked on.  I immersed myself into my new church family and by doing so took away what I was learning from my family.  I took away the happiness that I have gain.  The freedom, the knowledge and understanding.  I hid it away from them.

I've decided not to hide anymore.  That I am comfortable in who I am and what I believe.  I am happy.  I am blessed.  But, most of all, the knowledge I have gained over the years is not just for me, but it is to be shared.  So that other people can learn what I know.  So that other people can see that it is not the worldly things that make men happy, but it is the spiritual peace of knowing the plan of salvation that makes this life worth it.

I had the opportunity to speak at my grandpa's funeral.  I asked for it, because I wasn't supposed to hide anymore.  I was bold, and asked if I could say something.  I got permission to do so.  I talked about what kind of a man grandpa was, kind, generous, hard working, and most of all that he was the most Christ-like person I know.  I ended with our purpose in life, the plan of salvation, it wasn't the missionary version, but it gave hope to those in the congregation.  I had several people comment and thank me for those words, but they aren't my words, they are just truth.  Truth was recognized that day, and truth helped my family feel hope.  I'm glad I didn't hide, because what I know is for everybody.

I'm glad I learned these things...