I had my dad give me a blessing before I left - it's been a long time since I've had that experience with him. I hesitate asking him for blessings because they are kind of a last resource in my family, but I figured with a big trip like this out of the country with recent events (the death of Osama Bin Laden) and with my lovely health (the newest concern, a stress fracture in my foot), a blessing seemed like a good idea to give me the strength I needed and to give my parents the reassurance that everything would be okay.
We headed into the office, I sat on the desk chair, mom sat on the floor, and dad was standing behind me. As I watched my dad shut the door to give us a little privacy, I was overcome with emotion - I'm so grateful for the priesthood and that my dad has that authority. I'm grateful for a patient and understanding mom who is by my side through everything. If anyone has seen me shed more tears of frustration over the trials of life, it's her. I can only pray that I'll be like her someday.
The blessing was a powerful one. It was absolutely beautiful. Tears filled my eyes as I was filled with the Spirit assuring me of how much my Heavenly Father cares for me but also how much my parents love and care for me as well. After the blessing I turned to my dad to thank him and give him a hug and he had tears on his cheeks - as did my mom. I couldn't have asked for a better moment right before I left. I love my parents so much. A love like the love my parents have for me is one that must be acquired overtime - I hope to one day show them just as much love and appreciation.
If that testimony of the priesthood this morning wasn't enough, the first article of the Ensign I read on the plane ride was all about the power and importance of the priesthood. It seems as though the Lord knows just what he's doing and just what I need to hear. Maybe one day I'll understand fully why I have to suffer through the physical pain that I do. In a letter from Tanner once he mentioned that I need to pray for the faith to be healed; how does one develop that kind of faith? But how can I focus on things like this when I'm on a plane headed to ITALY?? Oh my goodness I'm sooo blessed? How many people get an experience like this??
Goal for the trip: Don't let pain in leg get in the way.
Well I'm about to pop a Tylenol PM to help me sleep on this plane - we'll see how it goes. Good night :)
Your parents are lucky to have a daughter like you. I hope that someday my children will appreciate me like you appreciate your parents.
ReplyDeleteI like to save money on food too, but I think enjoying the food when you travel is a big part of experiencing the culture. Often when we travel, we have a later breakfast and an early dinner. We will do something simple for breakfast and then find somewhere awesome for dinner. I guess that was more the case before we had kids. Now we have to feed them all the time. Crazy little animals! :)