I’ve been praying for hope and faith… and I wasn’t surprised when it became hard to have hope and faith. I think this is frequently how prayers are answered, and I’ve started to expect it. Expecting it also helps me recognize and then hopefully learn from it as well (my HWN this week).

I’m reminded me today of this scene from Evan Almighty:

Morgan Freeman (as God): Let me ask you something. If someone prays for patience, you think God gives them patience? Or does he give them the opportunity to be patient? If he prayed for courage, does God give him courage, or does he give him opportunities to be courageous? If someone prayed for the family to be closer, do you think God zaps them with warm fuzzy feelings, or does he give them opportunities to love each other?

It’s a good perspective to have, and can help me more skillfully navigate difficult experiences — looking for what I can learn from them, rather than for reasons to be disappointed. Like Moroni said:

“…faith is things which are hoped for and not seen; wherefore, dispute not because ye see not, for ye receive no witness until after the trial of your faith.” (Ether 12:6)

And some highlights since my last post :) Paul and I had some friends over from our last ward for a reunion of sorts :)

Discovering the snowflakes on the frozen windshield (finding the silver lining)…

Last night I got dinner with Emily at Oregono’s, courtesy of our parents :) Thanks! (gift card from Christmas)