The other day Nelson and I were reviewing the events of the past year. It is hard to believe just a year ago on the 4th of July, we sent Nelson's ASU graduate school application off on "a whim." When sending the application it took a couple of tries as some of the documents did not make it to ASU the first time. Yet, as I compiled everything together there was a feeling that change was coming. The common patterns of the day to day I was familiar with seemed out of place, including starting a new school year.
Just as my first week of school at Butterfield Canyon Elementary finished on August 2nd, we received word from Walla Walla University and ASU that he had been admitted. Nelson was shocked - and so was I!! With this surprise, we looked to each other and questioned, "Now what?" We did only what we knew how to do - took things one step at a time.
Our big Arizona change occurred bit by bit. One step led to the next. I believe if my OCD was in control than everything would have had to be in place before change could have occurred. However, my OCD was not in control, God's guiding hand was. Within a week, Nelson was in Arizona with his sweet sister Michelle finalizing school enrollment, apartment hunting, and other things to prepare to come. Within 2 weeks, we moved him down to begin school August 18th. While he was beginning life here in Arizona, I was wrapping (literally) up things at home - packing and finalizing work. By September 2nd, we had completely moved to Arizona.
Now a year later, life continues to bring changes with Little Tink on the way. We anticipate her coming with joy - and a bit of nervousness. Over the past few weeks with the great generosity of family and friends, we have begun to prepare for her coming. Her nursery is just about ready with the essentials, knowing that more will be added when she arrives. Each day we imagine together how life will continue to change with the arrival of our Little Tink. We love her so much - our little bundle of pixie dust!
As we have reminisced about life's changes, I can't help but think of one my favorite talks that has been a life theme by President Utchdorf, "Your Happily Ever After." I have quoted this talk often in my blog, but the words never seem to get old to me. Like all of God's children, my life is a fairy tale with a beginning of "Once upon a time." As President Utchdorf expressed, the story "promises something: a story of adventure and romance, a story of princesses and princes. It may include tales of courage, hope, and everlasting love. In many of these stories, nice overcomes mean and good overcomes evil." With my prince at my side, Nelson, we have battled demons, minons, and dragons of the adversary. Each obstacle seemed too much to overcome alone. Yet, as we have continued to build faith and learn to rely on God, He has lifted us to safety. Together with my best friend, my fairy tale has and continues to unfold. I have come to see and find gratitude in the beauty that arises from combating the adversary.
In the changes of moving to Arizona, God's blessings have been abundant filling my soul with an overwhelming sense of gratitude. I am so grateful for the miracles we have experienced: seeing Nelson find his life's professional passion; finding employment opportunities for me; health care resources; insurance opportunities; family support; new relationships discovered; strengthening of our marriage; and so much more. Even in the midst of the challenges of change, God's hand is ever present, strengthening and supporting us as we continue to find our, "Happily Ever After."
President Utchdorf explains of God's blessing, "And, most glorious of all, He offers you a gift beyond price and comprehension. Heavenly Father offers to you the greatest gift of all—eternal life—and the opportunity and infinite blessing of your own “happily ever after.” With the arrival of Tink, I feel we are catching a glimpse of "Happily Ever After" by adding to our family chain. I anticipate what Little Tink's fairy tale will behold and my part in it. I hope to protect her from dangerous demons, but understand the necessary process they are in the pattern of change. As her mom, I hope to help her see she is a beautiful princess creating her fairy tale that leads to her own "Happily Ever After." Throughout her life, I hope to she will know how much I love her and the way she has added to my fairy tale. I am so grateful that we will be together in our "Happliy Ever After."
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