The Love Jar

John 13:34

A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; 

as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.

I spent the last four days home sick. Mom being sick takes a toll on the whole family, and when that family is already balancing precariously on the ridge of peace and happiness, Mommy sick days tend to tip that scale. To the wrong side.

When I'm sick, my patience level isn't exactly at an all-time high, and the overly-dramatic flair that regularly occurs at our house can be more irritating than endearing. In happy-la-la land, Mommy being sick would include peace and quiet, a favorite book and the latest Victorian era Netflix series, and an unlimited supply of saltine crackers and orange juice. I would ring my little bell and my children would scamper in with a "Yes Mommy dearest? What is it that you need?" and the husband and children would take care of the cleaning and household duties so I could rest peacefully without any additional worries to interfere with my recovery.

Well, I got the orange juice--spilled on the living room carpet.

I am actually very grateful for what I do have, truly. My sweet son did refill my water whenever I asked, and dear husband did bring home pizza for dinner. But by day three of Mommy out of commission, we'd all had enough. Tempers flared, tantrums roared, and cough attacks became my only deterrent from hollering at the most precious creatures in my life every five minutes.

Having just barely launched this little crusade of mine to share light, hope, and peace, it became my great test to practice what I preach. So I took a deep breath, waited until the cough attack subsided, looked around at my dirty for days house, tried smiling at my done-with-it-all husband and children, and my eyes fell on my love jar.

Because we know there are going to be bad days, it has become very important for my husband and me to build up our relationship reserves. For Valentine's Day, Braden gave me this jar. In it are over 100 pieces of paper with love notes and reasons why he loves me. I frequently walk into the bedroom to see him sitting on my side of the bed, strip of paper and pen in hand, adding more to my love jar. Just seeing this jar made my crankiness fade away. Yes, we are all grating on each others' nerves right now, and yes, being sick stinks. But here beside me on my nightstand are 100 reasons why none of that really matters. Here I have 100 reminders that I am special to someone special.

Being sick will pass. The house will get cleaned, eventually. Maybe. Our moods will improve and we'll forgive each other for being sick of Mommy being sick.

And in the meantime, I have a love jar.

Finding Joy in the Journey

 Phillipians 4:8

Finally, brethren [and sisters], whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise,think on these things

Recently, I gave a lesson in church about finding joy in our journey here on earth. I was thrilled to be able to share some of the lessons I had learned and tricks of the trade to lighting our way through those dark times. By the end of the lesson, I felt satisfied that the Holy Ghost had shared what needed to be shared, but I still felt there was so much more to discuss, so much more we as brothers and sisters on this earth can share with each other to lighten each others' loads and succor one another. 

There are multitudes of resources available for exactly this purpose--to share hope and light--so at first I wondered how my own little own blog could do any better than all those other, more professional, more inspiring forums. I have since realized that all those other forums are missing one important element: my own story.

Yes, of course the world needs to know my personal experience with my own struggles and trials. All the universe must understand the journey of a small-town, stay-at-home-mom turned soldier's-wife turned crazy-person before they themselves can possibly be truly fulfilled.

Not.

However, I have become aware of the fact that, while I may only reach a very few with my own messages of hope and healing, reaching just one will be enough, even if that one is just me.

With that, I have begun this blog to share resources and ideas for inspiration and hope.  I welcome any who have stories that uplift and enlighten to share here as well, no matter your religion or belief background. There is much good in this world, but it takes some sifting to find it. I want this forum to be a place where people can turn for a quick pick-me-up, or a hope-giving boost. 

Each week, I hope to share some of my story and what I have learned as far as choosing the Light each day, and what that means to me. I would also love to share the real-life experiences of others who have found joy even in the darkest journeys. In the discussion comments, I invite you to share your own experience with finding light in the world, or in yourself.

Each of us has a light within us that yearns to shine forth. Each of us has our own way of brightening the world around us. Some of us recognize that light and feed it until our countenances become radiant. Others of us stifle that light until it is barely a flicker, and still others of us are so consumed in darkness we snuff that light out completely. Most of us run through a cycle of all of these levels of brightness, but the one constant is that the light is always there, waiting to be re-lit, waiting to be nourished and fed, waiting to become the glorious light of our true potential.

So, how did you choose the light today?