Early on in my adult life I learned how to take big life-changing events in stride. What I mean is, it became easy for me to see God's hand in my life whenever major, unplanned events happened. For instance, when my mom passed away in a car accident, although that was one of the most difficult times for me emotionally and spiritually, I was simultaneaously incredibly blessed to feel comfort and peace. Like everything was as it should be. And I somehow knew, this is part of the plan.
Learning to react to life that way helped me to feel calm and steady. I was armed with the knowledge of God, and my faith had been tested to a point that helped me in my everyday life. My faith grew stronger. As time went on, I was able to feel and be happy and hopeful for what my life had in store.
A few short months later I met Kendall. And a few short months after that we were married. I was blessed with such confidence and peace about my life and where I was headed.
Fast forward seven years and three kids later. I still remember those days of feeling complete peace and hope. And I look back and am grateful for the many things I was able to learn and apply. Last week as I was driving down the road, stressed out of my mind over a tax document that had come that day, I had a thought come to me.
His hand is in the little things too. Not just the big things.
I felt peace come over me and the worry wash away.
I had learned to accept and deal with hard things before. Learned to let the Savior carry me and be my rock. Why had I never before thought to let that same process carry out with the little things in my life? Why did I think it was only necessary for me to rely on that peace and faith when major life events happened?
This may sound silly, but I never thought of letting it apply to something so insignificant as a bill. Which is funny because sometimes we'd get a bill and I'd feel as if our whole world was going to crumble...does that just happen to me? I become paralyzed and stressed with worry not being able to see how things are going to work out. But you know what? They ALWAYS work out.
Who benefits when I am paralyzed and stressed? (The adversary)
You know when you hear people talk about certain principles and you think you understand what they are saying? Well, I've known His hand is in the details and the little things. Heck, I think I may have even written about it before. But this particular instance last week is when I REALLY understood. Like the connections of the knowledge and actually applying it made me go, "Oooohhhh! I get it! This is what I need to do to not feel stressed!"
My goal is to remember when little things happen where I would usually react with stress or panic, to not. To instead replace that reaction with this one - This is part of the plan. He knew this would happen. There is a plan for me and my life and I have faith in His timing. That will be my mantra, with a few deep breaths as well.
I know I will need this reminder again. I am human. I am imperfect. I forget. I live in this world, and this world is not easy. But right now I am grateful to have had this reminder.
