As a Result

Dear Friends,

My attempts to overcome my slackerness have been successful thus far. Although I am oftentimes still confined to my home, I feel like I am getting much more accomplished in life. When I feel up for it, I try to get in a leisurely stroll, do a homework assignment, read my scriptures, etc. When I don't, I'm really good about curling into a ball & giving my body the rest, etc. it requires. If I could pinpoint the life experiences that I'm gaining from this particular trial, I'd say they all revolve around developing compassion.

How hard it is to be judgemental of anyone when you're in your lowliest state. Who can know the heart of a man, the aches & pains of weariness, the trials that do beset each human except for the Eternal One? I'm realizing how I've foolishly jumped to conclusions about so many people around me. Even with the haunting warning of my 8th grade Algebra teacher that to assume makes an ass (in the Biblical sense) out of you and me, I've been filled with false pride & convinced of my own ability to discern. What do I know, after all? Only that which has been taught me, & of that, only that which I chose to internalize. What I'm saying, in essence, is that I'm feeble, & remorseful for the ill-advised judgments of yesteryear. We each have a story to tell of who we are, how we got there, & where we're heading in the future. Sometimes those tales align & sometimes we veer from the path, following enticing rabbit trails, sometimes finding ourselves completely lost from our original intentions. The point is, we all step off the path from time to time & because of that, we must be willing to give the forgiveness we seek from others.

You have a story, I'm sure & I want to hear it. I want you in all of your humanness. I want to see you as the Eternal One views you, flawed & weak but also as a child of light, made in His image. My current trials have set me back on course & find myself grateful for this particular pain. It has not been fun. It has not been easy, but it has been what I've needed & that gives me hope for a brighter day. Thank you all who have supported me through this difficult time. I shall never forget the love you've shown me & the lessons you've taught me.

-Jenny