Can I be an Oyster?

The past several days have been full of irritations...as I am sure many of my children could attest to based on my shortness in my interactions with them. As I was feeling that I didn't have a sane, calm, kind shred of myself left, I read a great post from a fellow blogger. I spent 4 hours playing majong last night, avoiding interactions of any human kind--trying to, at least. There were a few "little" intrusions, including some negative interactions on an innocent error on an ebay sale. It's amazing how Satan can worm his way into our thoughts and feelings. Feelings of worthlessness and helplessness that were beyond anything I have ever felt in my life crept in. After some praying and sleeping, I awoke feeling mostly better. At least I felt like it was still worth the fight.

So, can I make the constant irritations in my life--like 3 beautiful little ones that refuse to listen to me, into a pearl?

I don't understand why praying and scripture study need to be a battle every day! It's not difficult, doesn't take a great deal of time. It's the little, thin threads that give us strength over time--and sometimes immediately. And over time, if you don't do it, your rope or net or whatever you imagine it as, can get precariously thin. I am so grateful for repentance and renewal and forgiveness. I am grateful for the love and nurturing Heavenly Father and Savior that we all have. I so often feel that the experiences that should be strengthening me are weakening me--and it surely isn't their fault! It's time to not just survive, but thrive. I feel like I have been in survival mode far too long, but felt I didn't have the strength to do anything else. There have been deep cuts and slow, steady wearing away of my rope and it is need of immediate, steadfast repair.

Here's something I wrote over 25 years ago: "I can not fail, for the price to pay would be much greater than the price I must pay to succeed."

More inspirational thoughts:
Never, never, never quit. Winston Churchill

Success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life as by the obstacles which have been overcome while trying to succeed. Booker T. Washington

Loving the Lord with all one’s heart requires consecration, not tithing. Rodney Turner

The road to success is not straight. There is a curve called Failure, a loop called Confusion, speed bumps called Friends, red lights called Enemies, and caution lights called Family. You will have flats called Jobs. But, if you have a spare tire called Determination, an engine called Perseverance, insurance called Faith, and a driver called Jesus, you will make it to a place named Success.

“In all of living have much fun and laughter. Life is to be enjoyed, not just endured” – Gordon B. Hinckley.

"Don't be discouraged at seemingly overwhelming odds in your desire to live and to help others live God's commandments. At times it may seem like David trying to fight Goliath. But remember, David did win." —Elder David B. Haight