Relief Society and Love

I've had this post on my mind for quite some time.  I am so thankful for the tender mercies of the Lord and especially those that come through the channel of Relief Society.

This is a very tender, personal, emotional experience I'm about to share, but feel like it may help someone else.  Several months ago I was having a rough Sunday.  I was struggling even to desire to get to church that morning and feeling so spiritually weak and lonely.  But I went, determined to set a good example for my kids. I went to Relief Society as it is our first block.  I sat on the front row.  My friend and walking/running buddy sat down next to me.  A few minutes later another sweet friend whom I also look up to and admire greatly sat next to me on the other side.  As we joined our voices in the opening song, I literally felt their spirits reach out and hold mine up. That day I learned about the power we have as Relief Society sisters.  Those 2 women had no idea what just their presence did, but for me it made me want to go back the next week and the week after that.  Recently I was having another challenging Sunday and had a very similar experience, once again reaffirming several things. Relief Society is a place filled with power.  God uses other people as his angels.  Most importantly, God is very aware of me and my deepest, innermost struggles and wants me to feel loved not only by him but the ladies I live by.

Today has been great.  Feeling good.  Driving home from dropping kids off at school my best friend texted me to say I love you.  My mom called and asked to come help get things ready for a big party we are having this weekend.  During our cleaning session, my visiting teachers -one I've had since I started in this ward and one brand new to the ward- came by and had a lovely visit full of interesting conversation and laughter and testimony.  Later as my mom was about to leave I thanked her for her help and taking the time to come out on her only morning off.  She told me she could not get me off her mind and decided she needed to be with me and help out this morning.

Today I was not struggling, but have had it manifested again that the Lord loves me and has real, living angels placed in my path to help me along this mortal journey.

I love the Lord.  I am not always at my best and definitely have my struggles and challenges- most of which I try to keep hidden.  But I love the Lord.  I am so grateful to be His daughter.