FOOD FOR THE SPIRIT- Emotional Pain, Spiritual Joy

This past weekend was our stake conference.  It was a wonderful weekend!  I had the privilege of singing in a double quartet for the Saturday night adult session.  I really enjoyed doing a musical number.  Leading the choir is great, but I have really missed singing in small ensembles like that.  As a mother, I am good at forgetting to do the things I love and for several years, my music was put on the back burner.  Singing in public was also uncomfortable because of my issues with weight.  Getting up in front of people made me feel so insecure and walking to the front to sing got me winded, which made proper breathing more difficult.  It's nice to be back.

On Sunday, our dear President Jeff Packer was released as the second counselor in the stake presidency because he has been dealing with some health problems.  He was asked to speak for a few minutes.  He spoke of physical and emotional pain and adversity in general, and said that even when we are in pain, for whatever reason, it is still possible to have spiritual joy.  That perfectly describes my life.  My eating disorder brings so much pain and heartache, but as I turn to the Savior for relief and guidance, I feel so blessed and cared for.  As I look at the blessings I have been given, despite my weaknesses, I am overwhelmed with gratitude.  I am so grateful to know that I am loved and that I am needed to help build the Kingdom of God, weaknesses notwithstanding.