Change

Today I went to a funeral. His name was Mitch Menlove and he was only 36 years old. He has a beautiful wife Elizabeth, three children and another ready to be born any day.

As I was sitting there listening to his family and friends honor his life, it hit me hard to think how quickly life can change. To go one day from trying to swim through the often mundane-ness of every day life to being thrown into a new world where you are now a single mother trying to figure out what to do next. Suddenly you are in an alternate universe where worry seeps into every inch of your body and your heart can't seem to stop aching for your husband and friend.

My heart is breaking for Elizabeth. I can't even imagine being in her shoes. A different life has been unexpectedly thrust into her lap. It makes me want to hold tight to the gift of each day that is "normal." It makes me so greatful for my husband and that I get to enjoy simply another day with him.

It is times like this that remind me of the love and encouragement from Above that becomes so plentiful when we are in a dark, deep trial. It is wonderful to be able to cling to the knowledge of our loving Savior and his amazing plan of salvation that he created for us. And to know that He is watching over all that we do. No matter what trials we may face in life, no matter how we may not really deserve that guiding, comforting hand at times, He's still there.

So, I know things are going to be ok for the Menlove family. Not the kind of "ok" I'm sure they had always envisioned, but the kind of "ok" that is so good...the kind of "ok" where you are going to learn much more than you ever anticipated and that will give you the potential to become that much stronger and that much better. That is the power behind change.