Tender Mercies

Where we stayed three days last week.

        About five days before our trip east, my husband was let go from work along with six other people. The company said it was "a business decision." We considered not taking the trip, but our plane tickets were non-refundable and we really wanted to go. We did cancel the hotel reservation, accepted the generous offer to stay with friends of our family and with family members, and participated in more family meals than we previously planned. We had a memorable, happy time. That week cushioned the joblessness and was a big blessing.       
       If no job was our only problem, we might still feel overwhelmed, but we are also facing other big issues. I was feeling very troubled about several things this morning.
       I've been reading a book called Divine Signatures by Gerald Lund. I am not far into it, but it has already had a positive impact on my heart. It talks about the tender mercies and miracles that we receive from the Lord when we are in the midst of trials. I was reading the book outside on the hammock we have set up on our covered patio.
       Reading inspired me to pray again about my own challenges. "Complicated problems sometimes have complicated answers" was the answer to that heartfelt prayer. At the same time, I looked up at the beautiful blue sky, at a glorious sunlit cloud, at the mountains, and enjoyed the sun reflecting off of green green leaves on trees that were rustling in a peaceful wind. I was full of gratitude for this beautiful world I can enjoy. The beauty felt like a message that Heavenly Father is aware of me and that life is full of blessings despite the problems. I felt hope and knew I could be patient while waiting for complicated resolutions.        
       Not five minutes later, my husband opened the sliding glass door and came out to tell me he just received a job interview for next Monday. It may not end up in a job, but it felt very connected to my prayer. He had been discouraged about not hearing back from his numerous applications. He has received other phone calls today about different jobs. These are simple steps toward one part of a complicated answer, but they fill me with hope and gratitude.