Life's Lessons

Do you ever feel like a new baby turtle, trying to find its way? I have. Those little turtles are totally dependent on their instinct. Good thing I've had a lot of guidance in my life! But there are still times, even now, that I feel like that turtle who is turned around and even headed the wrong way.

This past year has been a tough one for me. Lots of challenges to overcome. I'm still struggling with a few. But also a lot of blessings. Sometimes those challenges in life can cause you to head in a direction unintended. A direction you would not choose, but because of things beyond your control, you find yourself feeling, acting, or doing things that are not like you at all. At that point you have to heed the call of those who love you and switch directions. It's not easy, but is possible. It will take hard work, and probably a forgiving heart, not just for someone else, but for yourself also. And lots of understanding. It will not happen over night, it might take months, or maybe a year or more to turn yourself completely around. But don't give up. And remember, just because you forgive someone doesn't mean you put yourself, or others, in a position to be hurt again. You sometimes must separate yourself from others so you can turn around. You can only control you, not others. You have control over yourself.

Then there's that turtle who has the late start. He's just lagging behind everyone else, maybe afraid to leave the safety of the nest.

 You might find yourself wanting to stay because it's what you know, even if that's not the best thing for you. It's hard to change sometimes. But sometimes change is what we need. Take it one step at a time. Make a plan. Seek help from others who care about you. Don't know who to trust, the Lord does. Ask Him.
Be patient with those who find it hard to leave the past behind. They probably could benefit from extra prayers. Not telling them what to do, but praying that they will have the knowledge, strength, and faith to do what needs to be done. Life changes are scary. Life changes are hard. But sometimes they are necessary and welcome, once we get there. Be the one who helps others succeed in changing what is around them. Because no one can do it alone.

The 3rd turtle is the turtle that has made it to the water. She knows things will be better, but challenges will still come up.

Danger is never gone completely, but once in the water she can move much faster, find food, play in the waves, and grow. We must never stop growing. We can continue to learn in life. There are so many areas in life for growth. College is a great way to continue our education. If college isn't for you, you can also just take a class to learn a trade. You can learn things by taking classes in the community or looking online. I've learned lots of things by going to you tube or even taking classes online. All the free motion I have learned have been by these two sources. And lets not forget our spiritual growth. I find reading and listening to the scriptures, not that I have perfected the everyday practice, helps me tremendously. When I read them I can ponder and ask myself questions. But when I listen to them, I get an overall picture that brings totally different thoughts and inspiration to me. And prayer. Just cant say enough about prayer. Are you turtle 1 and going the wrong way, pray. Pray for yourself and those who may be holding you back. Are you turtle 2 and afraid to make a change, pray for the strength and guidance you need.  Are you turtles 3, where you need to be, enjoying life, still pray. Pray that you are ever cautious of life's trials and that you can meet them head on when they come. Because, sad as it is, they will come. But with the Lord, all is possible and can be overcome. He wants us to succeed and will help us every step of the way. Even hold our hand at times or even carry us, as in the poem Footprints.

May we always be able to correct ourselves when we get turned around, venture out when we need to, enjoy life to the fullest, and watch for those storms that will come.