I Married A Has-Ben

My husband isn't one to be the center of attention. Well, he doesn't try to be like someone we all know...

He was the kid that just was without trying; Homecoming King, Eagle Scout, football star, scholar athlete, seminary attendee, friend to all, etc.

I mean just check out his old football profile, he was recruited by 11 schools!

After working to save up for a mission he left for the Philippines and then headed to BYU on a full ride scholarship.  He red shirted his freshman year and then had a terrible injury his sophomore year which took him on a 1.5 year journey of recovery. He decided in that time to give up his full ride and they gave him an academic scholarship. What THE?! First a full ride athletic scholarship and then when that doesn't work out they give him an academic one!? I was lucky to even get into college. 

While watching the game last night I thought about what our lives would be like if he hadn't gotten injured and where he might be. From what I hear from his most loyal fans he would've gone onto something more, NFL maybe. How cool I would be married to a guy in the NFL, how cool it would be to be making tons of money and be known by the world, or that's what some might think. I know there are a lot of people out there feeling like they missed their big shot, feeling like life threw them some unfair passes and constantly talking about the things they could've done. 

But not my husband. He rarely talks about it, in fact he doesn't even really watch the sport anymore. Some think its because he didn't get his shot but deep down I know its because he has realized whats really important. 

He has now devoted his life to training kids to help them avoid injuries and is trying to teach them to be more aware of their bodies like his parents tried to teach him. He has turned his life to God and helps us prepare our Sunday School lessons for the kids at church. He devotes his time to making me happy and making sure that I have all I need. He is the sweetest, kindest, most loving, and funny guy I know. And I get him for the rest of eternity. Football isn't his love anymore and I am grateful his career didn't go much further. I don't have to worry about further injuries or time away from the family on important days. And even though I was a jersey chaser most of my life I am glad this jersey was retired before I met him. 

I married a has-been and I couldn't be happier. 

Forgiving Those Who Trespass Against You

Recently I felt I was wronged by some people close to me. I was shocked by how I was treated and couldn't even find the words to defend myself. I just left the situation and never turned back. 

I have spent the last few weeks dreaming about the things that I could say to "get back at them" and defend myself. I have spent hours rehearsing the things in my head with hopes that one day I will barge in on a cloud (or a horse, or something cool and worthy of this awesome entrance) and they will apologize profusely for the way they treated me.

Well, I have realized that an apology will most likely never surface and nothing good would come from me parading around demanding respect.

A few weeks ago I started listening to: "For All Eternity" by Dr. John Lund, we got it as a wedding gift and it truly has been an inspiration!

It is meant for husband and wife but has been giving me direction on how to overcome these resentful feelings I have harbored lately. The last talk is focused solely on forgiveness and has truly opened my eyes to the importance of forgiving those who have trespassed against me. We have been taught over and over again that it is our duty to forgive:

I, the Lord, will forgive whom I will forgive, but of you it is required to forgive all men. D&C 18:10

Dr. Lund tells a true story of a women who was kidnapped, rapped, stabbed and then shot at in hopes to kill her, but only took out her eyes which made her blind. Her husband then left her unable to accept that she was violated. The man was caught but only served 7 years in prison and then was released.  She spoke at a school where a kid asked her how she was able to go on knowing that he was free. She responded "I will not give this man my todays or tomorrows".

How many of us our giving those who have wronged us our todays and tomorrows? How many of us are wasting our time thinking about what we are going to say that might make us feel better?

For, if ye forgive men their trespasses your heavenly Father will also forgive you; 3 Ne 13:14

More importantly who wants to receive forgiveness? Who is in need for forgiveness right now for their trespasses? I know I am and I know that if I cannot forgive others I myself will never receive the forgiveness I need. 

So I vow today that I will not give these people my todays or tomorrows. Today I will forgive and tomorrow I will live to enjoy my life without a dark cloud hanging over me. 

I LOVE to Dance!

Some clips from the funnest wedding dance party!

Wedding Dance Party