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| Quiet at Walden Pond |
“Living the gospel does not mean the storms of life will pass us by, but we will be better prepared to face them with serenity and peace. ‘Search diligently, pray always, and be believing,’ the Lord admonished, ‘and all things shall work together for your good, if ye walk uprightly.'”
–Joseph B. Wirthlin, “Finding a Safe Harbor,” Ensign, May 2000
I wrote a brief post on Thursday as my family was hit with an unexpected surprise. (Which, by definition, makes it a surprise.) The post was meant as a glimpse into how priorities quickly shift, and return to their more correct focus when pressure is applied. I wasn’t really expecting a response other than admiration for my occasional profundity. (wink)
What I didn’t anticipate was the outpouring of love and concern expressed in the comments, on Facebook, and via email. It was humbling. I have always hoped that my blog would serve as a magnet for good people with common goals and ideal. This event reenforced that I am blessed to be digitally surrounded by some really kind, charitable people – made even more amazing in that most of you don’t know me. It was charity, in its pure and simple form.
My family is now dealing with new issues coming from several different directions. Challenges? Yes. Dejection? Nope. Personally, I am of a mindset that I refuse to be distraught about the unknown. When the challenges become more defined, they will merit more of my attention.
Faith vs. Fear is one of the grand conflicts we all encounter. I’m choosing faith, and you help build mine.
Thank you.
-MMM-
(Hmm. That wasn’t very funny)
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Faith vs. Fear has always been a challenge for me. But it’s something I’m really working on now.
Glad everyone’s okay!
OH! And I must say that when I left my comment for the post you are talking about, I couldn’t figure out if I was for sure signed in and I didn’t leave a comment until I WAS sure. I didn’t want to be “funny” and send hugs your way under Ben’s name. While that totally would have been funny, I didn’t want to be insensitive (not knowing what was going on). I have to admit, I didn’t check back to see if it really was under my name because I was afraid. LOL I’m a dork, I know. Glad things aren’t as bad as I thought.
MMM, only good thoughts and prayers your way. Thank you for sharing your challenges with us, because your experiences and stories strengthen me, too. I often think to myself in certain situations “What would MMM think of this? I should email him about it!” And then I forget…hahahaha, but its the thought that counts, right? Anyway, I’ve had a lot of recent struggles with the whole Faith vs. Fear thing, and thankfully, Faith is winning! Thanks for helping me in my adventures, too. I hope all can be well and clear for you and your family soon!
You help build my faith and that of others, I am sure. Prayers for you and yours continue.
Thank you for your blog. I look forward to reading it every day because you are so honest and inspiring. Even during the not-so-funny posts. Thanks for sharing your life with us.
Thanks for sharing in the hard times as well as good. Praying for you.
I will add you and your family to the group of people that I have recently been praying for who I know only through blogs, but I care about them and pray that the loads they carry will be lightened.
Ah, the unexpected twists and turns of life that we hope to avoid like the plague! I hope you and yours are able to get it through it sooner rather than later.
I really like that quote Susan posted.
I said prayers for you and family too. It DID feel a little strange praying for “Middle Aged Mormon Man”, but then realized that that is only one of the names that you are known by, and the Lord knows who you are and all of your names.
And while we like and are amused with your humor, we like that you are real. And so thank you for sharing in a real way, that challenges come which help us focus on priorities.
All these things will be for thy good…..
I find that is often easier to grasp once I am looking back. The going through it part is not always so easy. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.
I agree with Vatermann. And you and yours will continue to be in my prayers.
Prayers for you and your family.
I wondered after you previous post. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Although life seems easier when you approach it with a little giggle, not everything has to be funny. I appreciate the lessons you have taught, both through the humor and the sober. Thank you.
Hope everything turns out well for you and your family, whatever it may be.
A friend shared this quote with me recently and it fits my life well right now. Someday I would like to be in a place where I am choosing to stretch and grow without outwardly applied pressure. But for now I’m going to trust in the Lord that He will help me handle the challenges as they come.
“Just when all seems to be going right, challenges often come in multiple doses applied simultaneously. When those trials are not consequences of your disobedience, they are evidence that the Lord feels you are prepared to grow more. He therefore gives you experiences that stimulate growth, understanding, and compassion which polish you for your everlasting benefit.”
― Richard G. Scott
nope. not very funny. but you are not a circus clown. You are a spiritual teacher. You do well at your calling as such.
Doesn’t have to be funny to still be profound. Whatever your “issue” let it be brief and have a happily ever after ending.
Atta boy, MMM. Hang in there.