Thoughts

On Sunday, in Relief Society, we discussed talents and gifts; our own and those shared by others. My gifts and talents have been hidden for far to long, except music. Music I cherish and try to share often. Other gifts or talents Heavenly Father has given to me are organization, the ability to work hard, gardening, canning, a love for nature, love of ancestors, kindness, joy in being a mother.

Gratitude fills my heart when I think of those whom have shared their talents with me over the years. My life has been touched in so many ways by others willing to share their talents. My Grandma and Grandpa Hadfield were two such people. They had a talent for charity. This they shared with everyone. This gift they shared with me will enable our family to change and I pray daily to develop charity. Charity is not a gift I now have but I strongly desire to develop it.

Music is becoming my life again. I'm remembering the joy music can bring when used to help and teach others. For a while music was a dim echo in my life and emptiness reigned supreme. Joy is sharing music with others. Joy is sharing my testimony through music. Pondering how music could be part of my mission in this life.

Often hidden from others are my gifts for organization and hard work. These have often had me feeling bad. A question often asked to myself is "What if I do succeed?". Will expectations go up if I do all I can, and if so, what if I fail then? I've allowed myself to become familiar and okay with failure. At least then I know what to expect. I've been haunted by these questions for so many years that it has become paralyzing. From this day on I choose to succeed. I choose to follow through on goals, callings, responsibilities etc. I choose to work hard at avoiding failure.

Gardening and canning are very fun and enjoyable to me. Watching things grow, bloom and provide for our family brings great joy. With our hands and hard work we are able to feed ourselves. Hoping to increase the variety of the things we grow this year to provide more learning and growth in us. I understand why we have been commanded by the prophet to plant a garden. Food for thought!

Love of nature. When I am surrounded by the beauty of the world I feel the love of Heavenly Father and His son Jesus Christ. The world is a testimony to me of their love. I love mountains, valleys, waterfalls, rivers, lakes, tall trees, wildflowers, all of the hidden treasures waiting to be found.

Profound are my feelings for my ancestors. There is much to learn from their lives and testimonies. Pioneer stories contain life changing experiences. To learn from those who have lived before is a most treasured gift. To learn from those in life who have already done what you have done is also a treasured gift. I love to learn from those who have been there and done it already.

Joy in motherhood. My every desire growing up was to be a mother. Through all of my schooling and working all I ever wanted to become was a mother. School and work were part of the journey but not the destination. Motherhood. No word has more meaning to me than motherhood. It is what our Father in Heaven wanted for us here on this earth. How can we come to understand what our Father in Heaven is and wants us to become unless we are parents also. Struggles, failure, hard work, striving, love, compassion, patience, tolerance, joy, happiness, desire, so many words to describe one person. I love being a mother. What a blessing motherhood is.

My heart is full of renewed determination to develop all of my talents. In one of those talents will be found my mission is life. Somehow through my journey my children will see what they need to find and fulfill their missions. What fun to see what they will do with their lives.

My heart is full of love. Overflowing are my feelings of gratitude to a Heavenly Father who has blessed me with such abundance. He has indeed provided me with all I need. No money can buy me what I need!!!