Sometimes the answer is simply 'no'...

There are some points in life that seem much more challenging than others. Most of my challenges come in the form of parenting situations whether we're struggling with tantrums, screaming, fighting, attitude, sadness, or any one of the numerous goodies that all parents experience. But then sometimes other challenges come along that don't have anything to do with our relationship with eachother or our children. In some ways these problems are easier and in some ways they are harder.

Easier in that these trials don't directly include those you love and care about. Harder in that they challenge us in some new way we must learn to cope with and learn from. I'll take a parenting challenge anyday because I know, generally, what the outcome will be - it's usually just a phase.

It's through these random challenges or detours that I search diligently for an answer as to why (or rather, how to avoid it in the future) and a way up and over. I pray fervently to know what I can do better and how to best heal and move on. Sometimes it's during these times that a wake up call is the only answer I come up with.

I've found that sometimes the reason for one thing is the realization of another thing totally unrelated. I've prayed to know just what I can take from our trials and most recently I've learned that nothing else really matters besides my faith and my family. Everything else is just noise. Some of it is pleasant noise, some of it is loud and obnoxious - and all of it is nothing compared to the peace that the gospel and those whom I love bring.

I imagine trying to endure something when I've not any truth to hold on to. How lost I felt when I was faced with overwhelming sadness day after day so many years ago. And now, despite all that we must face and overcome - it seems a small portion of what I used to endure - because it is. I have someone else to help me bear those burdens now. Some one who gave HIS life so many years ago. And I am grateful for Him and His reminders that the small things in life are just that, so small. Small compared to His love, His father's love, and the love I feel for my family and my faith.