Wednesday, March 18, 2009

Ability, Availability, Dependability, and Capability

I was talking to my mother in law the other day when we were driving home from my doctor's appointment with the surgeon. We were discussing Nathan and how well he is doing, despite all of his challenges that he has endured. I told her that I wouldn't change the last year except that I hated seeing Nathan suffer through so much. This quote by Neal A Maxwell, an apostle, expresses why.

"God does not begin by asking us about our ability, but only about our availability, and if we then prove our dependability, he will increase our capability." - Neal A. Maxwell


Jake and I are far from perfect parents, but I think that we have matured quite a bit this year and have been refined through this process. I never thought I would be able to care for a medically needy child, but now I can. I've also learned to become more assertive when necessary. And really, I've learned that we aren't given challenges without a way to make it through it. I think that Nathan has made a bigger impact on my life than I have on his. I just wanted to pass that along to Patsy.

2 comments:

Janice said...

I've never heard that quote, but I think it aptly applies to life. I can see that you have matured and been able to do things you thought you'd never have to do. You may have only lived a year, but you've grown as if it were 5.

Jinsey Jane said...

Well said! What a wonderful quote by Elder Maxwell to sum it up so nicely. As I mentioned yesterday, there I have seen the maturing of you and Jake. I have watched as both of you have learned (a steep learning curve needless to say)how to take care of Nathan's needs and the family as a whole because of all his needs. Your service to your Nathan and your little family has been admirable. As I read in the March Ensign on p. 65 it states ". . . service is what godhood is all about?" When I read this I thought about how simply being a mother and giving of your time in your efforts in raising rightous children is truly a service to our Father in Heavenly. You are raising His children with His guidance. Keep up the good work.