If I hadn't moved here five years ago...
I wouldn't have been privileged to serve with such amazing sisters who have not only become very good friends but just like real sisters to me. With too many good friends leaving it's hard not to be sad but I still rejoice that God brought me to this place in time to get to know them. Had it been 5 years later I would never have had that opportunity. I can never express the appreciation for all that I've learned from the sisters of this ward, especially for teaching me how to love.
I wouldn't appreciate the warmth of summer so much! I've never really enjoyed the hot humid summers of Virginia or Ohio, but the more freezing cold winters I have to endure up here, the more I look forward to the warmth of summer!
I probably wouldn't have grown so much spiritually or socially. I've lived in 5 states and been a part of many different wards but I've never experienced the acceptance, love and unity that I've encountered here in the Fairfield Ward. Maybe it's just that I was finally open to it, but I really believe it's more than just that. This Ward family is special- you just don't find many like it.
I wouldn't have such a strong faith that things will work out. Just in the last 5 years we've been through David having a serious spinal infection with 2 major surgeries and many months of recovery followed almost immediately by a job loss. There have also been plenty of minor emergencies and plenty of the usual annoyances of life, but through it all I've learned to trust in God that in the end things will work out. Maybe not when you want them to, and certainly not always how you want them to, but God is good and He creates solutions when none seem apparent. He always comes through.
I would never have known so many different personalities and styles of doing things. This has been at times both a blessing and a curse. I'm not going to lie... it's hard to deal with people who have very different management styles or ways of thinking. But it's always been worth it. I've learned something from every person I've had dealings with. Most often I've been taught that I need to be more humble and quit thinking that my way is the only right way. And sometimes I've found a whole new perspective that has opened my eyes to greater understanding.
Who's to say what else I would or wouldn't have learned or become in the last five years? I can't say that I wouldn't have had experiences elsewhere that would have touched me in some of the same ways. But I do know that I've been extremely blessed to have had these last five years. To be in the presence of so many truly good men and women is more than I ever expected in life.
4 comments:
I'd like to add one more thing:
***We never would have met and been inspired by such a wonderful person.***
You haven't spent the last five years here just for yourself. You've spent them here for all of us who have come to love you. It's easy for you to see the ward through your own eyes, and tgo recognize how special this ward really is, but it's harder (I'm sure) to realize the central role you and David have played in the creation of the spirit of the ward. It simply would not be the same without you, and I personally bless both of you for that.
We are sure glad you moved here. We love your family and I am always inspired by you. Let's hope you'll be here another 50 yrs or more! :)
May I just echo your sentiments... This ward and this place have been phenomenal blessings for our family, and it's the *people* who make the difference.
Chelle, no fair! I was hoping to be one of those here for "another 50 yrs or more"... sigh. However, I am grateful for being in this time and place with the blessings I have been granted. I am a stronger and a better person than I was 12 years ago when I arrived.
I know you have inspired me, Patty. I'm so glad that I had the chance to know you and work with you. I hope I wasn't one of the difficult personalities, but even if I was, thanks for never making me feel bad about it! ;)
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