I have learned...

This was posted at LDSAR.org on October 20th 2006.

I was replying to another post and mentioned how going through this experience with my husband has changed me. Mostly for the better, I think. Not that I would choose to go through it all again if I could avoid it, but we don't get to choose our trials, we just get to choose what we learn from them.

What have you learned?

I have learned that good men struggle. We all have our weaknesses, but they don't have to define who we are.

I've learned that repentance is not about punishment, it's about finding peace, and being able to let go of the things we do that cause pain to others and to ourselves.

I have learned that no one escapes pain and sorrow in this life, no matter how perfect they may look from the outside.

I have learned that we can't afford to NOT do the little things, and I have learned that those "things" truly bring us peace and happiness.

I have learned to trust Heavenly Father. I believe that no matter what happens, Heavenly Father loves me and that things will turn out okay.

The greatest thing, to me, about the gospel is that it is a gospel of hope. We are not perfect, but we have hope for the future.