Trials lead to unrealized prayers

The ups and downs of life that bring us joy and sorrow often distract us from what we really want or need to do. Chores, crafts, college, business ventures, illnesses, loss, starting a family, changing careers, reconnecting with friends or family... there are so many missed opportunities because of life throwing curveballs. 

But, imagine if those curveballs were the planned path from a higher power that you unknowingly resisted because you didn't realize it was what you were meant to do. 

Challenges, hardaches, loss and despair are never something we ask for yet we are still 'gifted' these things. Gifted. Yes they are gifts to allow us to grow in our own personal strength as well as our faith in God (for those whom follow a religion/belief).

Even if you are someone without any form of belief, as I was years ago, those moments where we grow and learn are invalueable. I will admit, I have never in my life been grateful for the challenge I am facing, in the moment of challenges.

I have been angry, hurt, confused, depressed, lost and broken.

I have wanted to (and actually have) run away from problems to avoid the suffering.

Heavenly Father knew I needed those trials and kept placing them in my path until I finally faced them.

I stopped running and stood up strong (sometimes hanging my head down too because it is hard) and dealt with the situation. 

Not only am I rewarded with strength developed, but I am also rewarded with a sense of accomplishment in myself as well as a stronger appreciation for Heavenly Father. I am the type of person who has always preferred to isolate from people because being around others or in crowded areas is very draining and creates higher levels of anxiety for me.


We moved nearly as year ago from NW Tennessee to sunny, hot, humid, sticky southern Georgia near Savannah. We tend to mind our own business, leaving our neighbors alone and hope they do the same (at least I do). Not because they are rude, on the contrary both neighbors are very nice. 

Yet, I was heartbroken leaving Tennessee because I had actually formed bonds with so many ladies in our ward at church. I knew I would never find friends to replace those wonderful friends that I had trusted and allowed into my life. They knew struggles I went through others would not know about or understand the suffering through those times.

Our first day at our new ward we were greetly by many friendly faces that were eager to know us. I was informed that one family was our neighbor (literally 2 doors away) and the wife was the Relief Society President. She was nice but obviously busy/rushed with something so we didn't chat much.

I honestly can't remember when it happened but our being acquaintances moved onto friendly neighbors... then we just became friends. I know my daughter (12) and her oldest (6) have bonded quickly and her son (4) adores my son (14). Her baby is almost 2 and just an adorable joy to be around for everyone. Eventually our interaction went from over the fence to into each others homes. I believe that in combination with serving each other and then serving others together helped our bond. Yet, when Covid forced churches to close and we were given authorization to have sacrament together and that really pushed our families to grow closer. (My husband was often away from home for work.)

Now we text daily, my daughter is their 'adopted' child and we often play board and card games together. We share meals, baked goods, recipes and now homeschooling information. We help with any other issues we feel the need to reach out to each other to discuss. I have not felt this kind of comfort and judgement free friendship from a friend for a very long time.

Being able to hear her say that I was an answer to her prayers for a friend made me feel as though I really was appreciated and loved. I have been her friend such a short time but it feels much longer. Both couples get along well. the kids all play together well  (even my angsty teenager) and I enjoying witnessing the friendship growing between the husbands since my husband keeps to himself often.

So after all the heartache, stress, trials and disappointments in life... you have to remember this one thing: they are leading you to and preparing you to recognize and appreciate blessings. For me, it is this friendship.