I have spent the past several months witnessing personal struggle, observing courageous effort and learning from the experience of others. In a unique and inexplicable way I have been fighting my own battles too. And while I am no smarter today than I was months ago, I have learned some valuable lessons about life, parenting and faith.
I am a missionary mom . . . again!
It is remarkable how fast time flies. What is even more amazing is that all the lessons I learned during my first experience have somehow been forgotten. I am equally weepy, worried and woeful this time around as I was last. There is one difference, however, and that is the assurance I have that all will be well. The last part of that scripture that says . . ."and all these things shall work together for your good," . . . well, I know that is true.
Easton is a strong, determined, motivated, capable person. He has known many personal challenges - physical, emotional and spiritual - and he has always prevailed in a miraculous way. I don't know why I expected his mission experience to be any different.
He is working so hard, has such a positive attitude and an incredible drive to "do it" perfectly. And . . . . it is hard! He is - a 10 hour bus ride, a one hour van trip and a ferry ride across a river - from the mission home. His companion is from Nicaragua, speaks no English, and he is in a district of only 4 Elders. He is tough and humble, resolute and overwhelmed . . . . and I am aching. The blessing in all of this is that I know he knows where to turn for real help!
I have witnessed the long-awaited return of a daughter's missionary boyfriend. There was joy and excitement followed by pain and confusion. I have watched the courage it takes to seek and follow divine guidance that goes completely contrary to what you have always dreamed of. It has been emotionally exhausting and spiritually taxing to see a child work so hard to do what is right.
There have been an untold number of tears shed and countless hours of quiet prayer and pondering. I have learned by observation that if you are not making life easier for someone you might very well be making it harder for them. I have seen unintentional cruelty and incredible support. The blessings were not immediate but the tender mercies of a loving Heavenly Father have been felt. And with patience and time, things are beginning to fall into a very inspired and happy place.
While we are not strangers to the Emergency Room for sports injuries and household accidents, physical difficulty is something we have been blessed to avoid. Watching a daughter suffer through ankle surgery and struggle with the painful recovery process has been inspiring to say the least.
Motivation with a smile. Perseverance with optimism. These are indications of real character and evidences of personal faith.
I used to think that 'parenting' was a fairly finite occupation. I believed that your chance for teaching was limited and your years of influence numbered. I was wrong. My mother is an amazing lady.
She is 80 years old. She has a new knee and an awful hip. Walking at all is painful . . . walking well is impossible. She does it anyway. She believes that this life experience will all be worth it in the end! She doesn't fuss over the things she can't change. She only worries about making a difference - making life easier for someone else! She trusts that the Lord will make up the difference in every battle . . . and he does!
I have learned other lessons in the past months too. I have learned that there are always wonderful people to bless your life. I have learned that just when you think you have it figured out . . . you don't! I have learned that I have more weaknesses than I can count. And, I have learned that I still have a lot to learn.
