Armor

 

Photo by Jonathan Kemper on Unsplash

Armor (Verb):  provide (someone) with emotional, social, or other defenses (Definition from Google)

I stopped writing a while ago because in writing what I was thankful for I felt repetitive and was a little bored with my own writing.  As I told a friend, "How many times can I write that I am thankful for turkeys?"  She was wise enough to know that writing is therapeutic to me and she encouraged me to not stop.  I have tried every day since then but couldn't manage.  It did get me thinking though, and that was helpful.

I have taken to listening to the radio station "Positive Encouraging K-LOVE" and I have been so thankful to have uplifting messages and songs that I could access easily.  Since music affects me so much, I decided to create a helpful playlist.  I spent quite a bit of time thinking of a good name for it.  I chose Armor.  I felt in need of a defense against the continuous flood of negative emotions that comes with depression and a protection against all that could separate me from my belief in the love of my Savior.  (I have severe obstructive sleep apnea and being tired is my main depression trigger.  That is not helpful!)

Most of all I want to lift up my heart and rejoice and take upon myself God's whole armor so that I can withstand the "evil day" and, having done all, to stand (with God).  (paraphrased from Ephesians and from the Doctrine and Covenants).

I am thankful for musical armor and the armor that is the love of family and friends.  I am thankful for the power of God's word, and the gift of prayer.  And, though it really is funny, I am thankful for the Elk Ridge turkeys -- especially the one that I named George today. (He reminded me of something from the movie George of the Jungle).

Meet George.  He made me smile today.