Let the Temple Touch You

Lakayde Photography

Lakayde Photography

Lakayde Photography

Lakayde Photography

Lakayde Photography

Lakayde Photography

Not Why but What.

I have an app called TimeHop that shows me what I posted on Facebook on the same day in the past years. It sends me a notification almost every day. Sometimes I look at it, sometimes I don't. Yesterday I looked at it. 

Four years  ago yesterday, I wrote "Surgery today... :/" It is now the four year anniversary of the knee surgery that was to repair my ACL and both the menisci in my right knee. I remember shortly after hurting it getting really sad and going outside one night, sitting under a tree and crying.

In the only thing I could think of to bring me comfort in that moment, I tearfully looked to the sky and prayed to Heavenly Father: "why did this happen to me?" As soon as I spoke the words, I felt silly. I didn't really want to know why it happened. I mean, I did...but I already knew the answer:

We are here to learn.

I've always known that and I'll continue believing that forever. Knowing what I do about this life and why we're here and the plan of salvation means that I already know why I have to go through hard things. 

Asking "why did this happen to me" turns yourself into a victim. It turns what starts as heart ache into selfishness. We start thinking that we are above having challenges or that we should somehow be exempt from the problems that plague every human being to grace the earth. This mindset only brings bitterness and anger and lessening faith.

A better question to start asking is "what?" As in, what can I learn from this? or what can I do to help others who are also struggling?

Since that night, in the midst of the many trials I have been through, I have quit asking why--no matter how much I want to--and I ask what.