Thursday, March 6, 2008

Thank Goodness for Unanswered Prayers

I had an enrichment meeting last night and I was really not in the mood to go. But those are probably the times when you really need to go the most and that was the case for me. We had a spiritual lesson about how to accept Christ's Redeeming love. It was a great lesson that I think I really need to hear at that moment and it was also so refreshing to sit and talk with the sisters. I really have a great ward. But for some reason this song kept repeating over and over in my head after the meeting. It is that Garth Brooks song "Thank God for Unanswered Prayers." (I changed it a little in the title of my post :) This really wasn't what the meeting was about, but it made me reflect on my life so far. How many times in our live's do we think we know what is best and what action we should take? How many times in our live's are we so certain we should go one way? Then to suddenly be lead in the other direction. How many times have we prayed desperately for something to happen or not to happen and it turns out totally the opposite. Oh, how hard is this to accept, when things don't turn out the way we planed. Or we realize we need to take another direction. Especially for me because "I" think "I" know what is best. But the most amazing thing happens when we get to look back and realize that "we" were wrong and the Lord knew what was best the whole time. I am glad he has the big picture. I am sure this has happened so many times I can't count, but I can think of two particular instances that have really stood out to me. One was when we know it was time to leave Firstline. All signs pointed to stay. All logic said stay. We wanted to stay, but we had no doubts it was time to go and that was the right thing. Another time was when I was in college and dating a wonderful man. He was cute, smart, funny and pretty much checked off my list. However, we both knew something was not right. I couldn't doubt it, neither could he. So we ending things. It was hard knowing I just let a great guy go. But just about a week later I met Sterling and then months later knew that he was right, and this time things felt right. I am so grateful to know that we can be led through this crazy life. We are not doing it on our own. I just hope that I can have the strength to accept what the Lord has planned for me and my family. Because I know it is for the best, even if sometimes it really hurts.
So know let me get off my soap box. I didn't mean to preach, but I couldn't get that song out of my head. Anyone up for Lost tonight?

6 comments:

Summer said...

Thanks for sharing your experience Malinda. I can't tell you how many times this has happened to me. It is really hard to accept the Lords will sometimes but when we do we are always blessed.

By the way I am totally up for Lost tonight!!! It is the highlight of my Thursdays!!!

I am coming to Utah for BYU Womens Conference again this year we should all get together and party!

malinda said...

Oh I have been meaning to ask you if you were coming. I am totally going this year. I haven't told Sterling yet, but he better plan on babysitting :). You are welcome to stay here. If you are being anyone they are welcome too. It will be fun to see you.

Shar said...

Coming from a younger sister whose favorite thing to do growing up and even still, is to watch her older brothers and sisters, I love the way you are Malinda. It's great to have good examples in my life especially in my family. We all need to constantly be reminded of that. So thanks for being a great big-sister.

malinda said...

Love you too Shar!! You are the best younger sister ever!!!! We sure miss you guys here. Just today Tess was pointing at a picute of her and Katelyn and saying "Tatie" It was so cute. She really misses her.

Brooke said...

Thanks for that wonderful post Malinda! You and Ster are such great examples to us! If we can be a little like you guys, we are doing pretty good. Love you!

Tammy said...

Love you Malinda:)