Too Many Emotions - (Sappy Post Warning)

I don't know what's been going on this past week but it has been one of emotional extremes for me. I learned a sweet friend has pancreatic cancer, I went to another friend's funeral (who was only 14 years older than I am), and I'm overly worried about the state of the world.

In spite of these tragic events and concerns, my life is full of joy. I am thankful that I have a testimony of Jesus Christ. I feel as if my testimony is stronger now than ever and I guard it close to my heart. I hope I won't do anything to jeopardize it.

At the funeral of my friend (a woman from the ward I grew up in who had been my neighbor and my teacher throughout the years) I was impressed when her son said he was proud to consider himself a "mama's boy". As a mother of sons that touched me. I was also deeply touched at the feeling of homecoming ... not because I was in my old ward (because the funeral was in a building I had never been in), but because there were so many familiar, smiling faces. Even though we were gathered for a sad occasion, we were pleased to be together. These were not friends my age for the most part, but older members of the neighborhood and ward who had watched me grow up through the years. These were my friends' parents. It was so satisfying to meet up with these friends and catch up on old times. Many of them had been my leaders throughout the years. They'll never know the impact they had on me and the fact that they remembered me (sometimes with a little prompting) pleased me to no end.

This week I also heard the story of a "prodigal son" returning. This "son" is a friend of FOS and a great kid from a great family. He lost his footing along the way and made many unwise choices (like so many of us). His mom talked to me about how she was so grateful that he had found his way; he is graduating from college next week with plans to go on to graduate school and he has married a sweet girl who loves him for who he is. He has realized what is important to him and what is not. My heart was full for their family.

Overall I guess it just boils down to me being thankful that I have a Heavenly Father who loves me. No matter what situation I find myself in I'm finding everything is centered around my Father in Heaven. What a great comfort that is!