It was Socrates who said:
If all our misfortunes were laid in one common heap whence everyone must take an equal portion, most people would be contented to take their own and depart.
I believe this is pretty much true. As humans I think we tend to peek into other windows and feel like they live much better lives than we do. But this isn't really true, everyone has struggles and trials. We also tend to think that if we could get a different job, move to a different place, get married or make lots more money that we would be much much happier. But these cases aren't neccessarily true either. There are many trials and misfortunes that a person can experience in life: death of loved ones, trials of faith, abuse of various kinds, physical disabilities, infidelity, divorce, to a watch loved one make dreadful mistakes, an inability to have children, poverty and financial hardship, and many others. With all of these struggles that I could be going through at this time, I glad the only one I'm facing now is the trial of being unmarried and the accompanying loneliness that comes with it. Although my plan was to be married by now, things could be worse. And even if I were married, it doesn't mean that I couldn't still have times of loneliness, feelings of inadequacy and sadness.
I guess what I am getting at here is that I really can't think woe is me, I've got to find that silver lining that is always there. I think what I need to do for now is serve more. Get my mind off me and help others that are going through rough times. And I've got to work on my faith and believing that things will work out for the best one day, because Heavenly Father does ultimately have our best interests in mind or he would never have let us go through so many hard times.
I'm just starting to read a book that was recently published. It was written by a former spinster, Kristen M. Oaks and is titled A Single Voice. I hope it will be enlightening or really just comforting. Sometimes it's nice to know that you're not blazing your own trail all the time, but that other people have been through what you are going through. Anyway, I will for sure let you know what I think of it. That's all for now.
-SITC
7 comments:
I agree whole-heartedly!
Thanks Jenn, You're my best reader! Thanks for your comment.
I love that quote! I have a bad habit of comparing my trials and tribulations with other people's blessings and happiness. Which is obviously a counter-productive thing to do. Whilst I'm sure that Sister Oaks is a fabulous person/writer/advice-giver, there was a time in my life when everyone gave her as an example of why it was okay to be single, to which I dug in my heels and wanted to shout "I don't care if I marry an apostle if I have to wait until I'm 50! I would like to have children!" But I could have been a little sensitive and prone to over-reacting. Do let me know if the book is good.
I know what you mean Scully. I do hate it when people use one single LDS person example and then try to apply it to all spinsters. That is frustrating. The good thing about her book is that she does include experiences from other LDS spinsters that have seemed to flock to her for advice on their single status. I think it is worth reading although it is a little repetitive in some spots and the organization is a little off.
That's a good attitude. It's easy for me to fall into the traps of selfishness since I only need to care for myself, but I do love when I can serve others.
I enjoyed the book. Sariah, Rachel, Hannah, Kristen Oaks, Anne Perry, Sheri Dew, Wendy Watson Nelson and Barbra Johnson are my heros. It is so nice to know you are not alone and I love the promise that everyone will have the chance to marry in the next life if we will trust Him.
Hi, well be sensible, well-all described
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