Friday, November 2, 2012

Pain and Joy

Joy is not the absence of pain, it is the presence of God.
My husband said that to me recently and I can't seem to get it out of my head.




When I think that I am doomed to a life of misery because of my suffering. I remember Lucy and am reminded that she was blissfully happy despite constant pain.





I no longer see, easiness of life as a blessing. Some people have everything. They have their health, plenty of money, great children and they are still miserable. Our, "blessings" have nothing to do with how blessed or loved we are. Your life is not easy because you've been good. Your life is not hard because you've been bad. Pain in our lives exists to bring us back to Christ.

After Lucy died I knew things would never be better. I knew the hurt would never lessen. People told me time would heal things. But time hasn't healed anything. Only through the atonement can my pain be lessened. I know our family still has a long way to go. We have a lot left to learn. But we have felt joy despite our constant pain. There is something so comforting in knowing life doesn't have to be good to be good. The more I hear about other people's problems, the more I feel we're all being asked to face the same trial. It seems every trial is a trial of faith. After Lucy died I thought nobody could possibly understand what we were going through. But it seems like, to a degree, everyone understands.

9 comments:

Tiff said...

That was so beautiful! Thank you for sharing your thoughts because they make me want to be a better person.

xoxo

Unknown said...

thank you.

-singleton

Kateka said...

Thank you for sharing your honest feelings! This really struck me today. Your words are so heartfelt, real, and powerful. I appreciate this (and the post before this too). You're amazing. You are a teacher of life's trials and triumphs.

Anaise said...

Beautiful . . . the pictures, the words, and the woman behind them.

Unknown said...

Those pictures bring tears to my eyes... I find it helpful to read your words.

In the post below you said, "I write all this mainly as a reminder to myself to avoid the feelings and spirits that would lead me away from where I want to be."

Sometimes I have similar feelings that lead me away... This is so good to remember.

Christin Foscarini said...

Liza thank you for being so open and honest on this blog. I haven't been on any blogs for awhile and loved catching up on your last posts. You are a great friend!

Carlie said...

Liza, you're words are so powerful and obviously written with the spirit. I'm sure Lucy is looking down on her little family with so much love and excitement that her life and death weren't in vain. You're learning and understanding what the Lord wanted you to learn through her death. You're such a wise soul. And Chuck's quote should be quoted. That was so profound and spot on. XOXO

Bryndi said...

I just was able to read this today, and wow. It is beautiful. Thank you for sharing such a piece of your heart. It has caused me much reflection and insight. Thank you.

We Joneses said...

Eliza, this was beautiful. You've been in my thoughts and I'm so glad that you shared these things with us. Chuck was spot on. May you always be surrounded by joy.