The Lord's tender mercies are all around us. He wants us to succeed. He wants to help us. And He always does. Sometimes it takes longer than we might expect or desire, but it always happens. Here's a little story to illustrate my point:
I've experienced some major health problems since returning from my mission. I get sick every two weeks or so and that's been going on since I came home. I had some tests done when I first got home and then again about 6 months ago but they always came back negative. I had Doctors tell me that it was all in my head. I cannot even begin to put into words how frustrating that felt. To me it was almost as ridiculous and horrible as telling a terminal cancer patient that they were making it up. Well, after many months of just trying to deal with things, and not doing too splendidly I might add, I've finally started to see all my blessings. At the beginning of the summer, James began working at an integrated healing arts medical clinic. He works with some very well known and renowned doctors. Part of the benefits of his job enable him and immediate family to be seen for free. We're talking famous specialists here people. Doctors who really know their stuff. And little ole me, with health coverage like diddly-squat, is able to meet with them for free. That's a blessing people. A huge one. A miracle. Yet, I was a little hesitant to go in and meet with Dr. Sucher. A little hesitant, and rightfully so I think, to open myself up again to the scrutiny of medical professionals. But today I finally bit the bullet. I met with Dr. Sucher and we had a little "tell all" session. We'll know a little better after the blood work comes back but the consensus is mostly in. And I feel so justified. As I told Dr. Sucher my symptoms and how often they reoccur, she asked if I had ever been seen about them previously. I related to her what the news from previous doctors had been, "It either acid reflux or all in your head". To which her response was a hearty laugh and, "Sounds like someone didn't know what was going on and tried to cover their butt." Talk about relief. I was SO relieved that someone else recognized that this wasn't a classic case of I-don't-want-to-go-to-school-today pretended illness and that I wasn't crazy. Dr. Sucher has seen a lot of things during her years practicing and has a lot of training and experience. I'm incredibly blessed to have been able to be evaluated by her expertise. She said it's apparent to her that have parasites and amoeba and because I've had them for so long my immune system is severely compromised. She said that 70% of the immune system is located in the bowels. So if I also have parasites located in my bowels, then I'm tying to fight off everything else with only 30% of my immune system. That's why I'm getting colds and sinus infections like no one's business. She said it would also explain my headaches.
I couldn't believe that in this single visit she took all of the symptoms I was feeling, believed me, and suggested a path for treatment that feels so right. It really was an answer to so many prayers. I feel like it's been a long time coming, but it proves to me yet again, that we have a loving Heavenly Father. He wants to bless our lives. And He does. He puts people and experiences and opportunities in place that eventually bring His blessings into our lives. I was reminded of two quotes today. The first by Elder David A. Bednar, "Just keep pressing forward obediently, with faith in the Savior." And that as we do we can be assured that as Elder Jeffrey R. Holland said, "Some blessings come soon, some come late, and some don't come until heaven; but for those who embrace the gospel of Jesus Christ, they come." Always. I know that to be true. So if you're waiting for those much desired and needed blessings to come into your life, hold on and hope on. They will come.
