Monday, February 9, 2009

As Good As It Gets


Tony and I got away. For two nights and three days we played. We stayed at two different hotels, saw a play, shopped, went to movies, took tours and in general just relaxed. It was bliss. He knew I needed some time away desperately and planned everything down to the last detail. It was all a surprise.
That night at dinner I found myself tense and in tears. I struggle with anxiety. It's been going on for a long time, but it happens often enough that it disturbs my peace. We were at the Little America hotel and a wave of anxiety struck. Tony and my joy of being out together away from kids and the stress of everyday life was being marred by this demon I battle. Tony and I discussed leaving and my heart felt like it would break in two. Suddenly, Tony looked toward the door and said, "President Monson." I turned around and President and Sister Monson walked toward us and President Monson asked Tony how his dinner was. The spirit was electrifying and my heart was filled with a sweet, loving peace. God in His mercy reminded me in the most profound personal way (just when I needed it) that I am His daughter and that He loves me. Not through a prophetic message this time, but through a prophetic presence. The right place, the right time, and a tender mercy from my benevolent maker.
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"And now for something completely different..." We saw "He's Just Not That Into You." Great movie-love the ensemble cast. Except Scar Jo (Scarlett Johanssen) Beware of her character. I have to say that had she been wearing a snuggie in this movie, nothing bad would have happened.
Anyway, I really liked it and the music was perfect. Thanks Tony, for being one of three guys who were in the theatre :)

22 comments:

Kristina P. said...

That's so neat you saw President and Sister Monson!

Lara said...

I am glad you have such a great husband! What a fun little get away. We all need those once in awhile. I hope you are all fueled up for awhile:)

Lara Neves said...

That is truly amazing. What a blessing that Heavenly Father knows just what we need...even if it's seeing the prophet!

I met Pres. Monson once...it amazed me how big he is!

I'm happy for you guys that you got away. So needed for all of us every once in a while.

mintifresh said...

That is such an awesome experience! What a wonderful gift! I am glad you were able to get away and your sadness/anxiety passed.

A Snuggie would save ANYBODY'S chastity!!

Leslie Kay said...

I was so excited for you - I knew before the posting because I sat in front of your babysitter at church. The picture of you two is priceless!

The Kooky Queen--Rachel said...

Oh my goodness!! What an awesome post! That is so great that your hubby whisked you away and what a neat thing to see President Monson. I too have had weird moments where I battle depression and/or anxiety. I hate it and I've discovered mine is often the result of not enough vitamins, water, and poor diet. So I feel your pain!! I really wanna see that movie, it sounds cute!

Cami said...

Love those tender mercies.
Love you, Rachel and so glad you got a much deserved Mommy-Break.
What play did you see?

Becky said...

What a fantastic experience! And what a fantastic husband. I'm glad you enjoyed yourself.

Robin said...

I'm so glad your anxiety-ridden moment was so wonderfully wisk away. Life can be so good.

Amy said...

Love that picture!

Erin said...

Awww, what a neat tender mercy! Good for you.

(P.S. Anxiety is one of my middle names. The other one I will be discussing a bit on my blog tomorrow.)

Melissa said...

Sounds like you and your hubby had a lot of fun on your little getaway. How wonderful that you saw President and Sister Monson!

Kerri said...

I have struggled with anxiety at times too, so I can relate. I am so jealous tht you got to see President Monson. What a neat story! Thanks for sharing.

Kellie said...

That is awesome! What a great hubby to take you away for a while. And that is so cool that you saw President and Sister Monson just at the right time (or at all, really in my never-get-to-see-anyone-cool opinion).

in time out said...

What a beautiful and blessed night. Thanks for sharing with us. Thanks for reading. Come get the valentine for all my blog friends. Happy Valentines Day.

Cami said...

Your comment made my day. That post took two days to write.
I haven't been to a play for too long. I'm glad you enjoyed it.
BTW, I love the photo of you two.

Eileen said...

What a great picture! And that's so wonderful that you had the get-away and that you saw the prophet!

Jeana said...

You need more sugar in your diet. =) Just kidding. What a great experience for you. I can't wait to hear more.

Donna said...

That is so neat! Thanks for sharing such an uplifting story. I'm glad you were able to get away together. That picture of the two of you is amazing!

a Tonggu Momma said...

I'm glad y'all got away. And I, too, struggle with anxieties, so I understand at least a bit. It doesn't mean you don't love your man. :) Glad something happened to help you feel more in the moment.

in time out said...

rachel, thanks for the kind words of support to our family. how strange that you lost your teacher to cancer as well. you truly understand what we are going through. thanks

Melissa said...

That is so wonderful that you got to see President Monson right at the time when you most needed to. (As a side note, Jacob and I had our wedding dinner at the Little America there in Salt Lake and also had our honeymoon there! Well, the first night, anyway. The rest of our honeymoon was spent in Japan. But I digress. When did this become about me? I'm so sorry! Back to you. You're awesome, and don't you forget it. The Lord never does).