Last night a terrible storm raged outside. The rain whipped so hard that it sounded as though it would break the glass panes of our windows.I snuggled in bed grateful to be inside. Though my back hurt and I was in pain, I couldn't help thinking how terrible the storm was outside. Yet, my little family was snuggled in their beds warm and safe.
The storms of life batter against us all. Though some have reprieve for many years, others may have their storm rage many. During the storm we all instinctively protect us and our immediate family. Our prayers are filled with pleas of reprieve and help. Sometimes that help isn't as quick as we would like...sometimes we don't recognize that help has come. But it does come.
Soon we are in a protective shelter of our Savior. The storm batters outside as we are snuggled safely inside. Once in a while a window might break and we allowed to feel the elements again...but not quite to the capacity as standing outside. We quickly go to fix that broken window...we fear the pain and anguish that comes with it.
It's during these storms that I fear I am so distracted, watching for weaknesses in my shelter, that I do not look around me to see others hurting.
It is hard to know how to be helpful to those who suffer. Will my words hurt them more? Can I even do something to help? How can I have anything to comfort them when I have no idea what that feels like?...
I need to have the faith that whatever befalls me and hurts me that I can withstand it. I need not worry about my shelter...for the Savior is mindful of us. I need to focus on those around me that need me to reach out...for many times we are the instruments that are sent to soothe and comfort others.
How quickly I can become self absorbed into my own sadness...
