Graduate Gratitude

These past few months have been a difficult and stressful period in my life, to say the least.  As I finished my semester, and particularly my Neuropathology of Speech and Language final, I had a totally unexpected reaction.  The coursework this semester had been difficult and the studying stressful.  I had done all I could and prayed it would be enough.  I took the final, felt that I had done as well as I could, and walked out toward my car.  As I passed through the outer doors of the building, I suddenly began sobbing.  I was overwhelmed, but not with sadness or stress or worry.  I was bathed in a warm, comforting feeling of gratitude and reassurance.  I knew I was not alone and knew with certainty that I had been literally carried through the semester.  There was no way I could have done this myself.  My loving Father, so keenly aware of me and my needs, had sent his Spirit and angels (from both sides of the veil) to buoy and support me.  I could literally feel the weight from the semester removed from my shoulders.  But I had not truly realized how heavy it had been until I could feel its absence.  I was not left alone to carry the full load while I had been called to bear it.  The yoke was shared and my burden lighter.  And so I cried, with joy and a thankful heart, to know that I was loved so much.  My gratitude to my Father in Heaven and to all of you whose prayers and hands made my progress possible is unspeakable.  Please know that though my words are inadequate, my appreciation for your love and support is profound.  Thank you, thank you!