A Year Full of Gratitude

As I headed out today to finish the rest of my Christmas shopping, I realized that today is December 19th. Not a big deal to most the world, but to the Hinton household, it is the day our lives changed dramatically. Exactly one year ago today, Jay lost his job as Director of Media Relations for the Utah Blaze - the Utah Arena Football team. He was laid off when the league folded and due to the state of the economy at that time could not be absorbed into Garff Enterprises. This was a complete shock. I still remember my conversation with Jay as he explained to me what happened and I just kept asking him if he was joking.

One year later, I can look back on this experience with a heart full of gratitude for our Savior, faith in his plan for us and my husband and all of his hard work. We were able to realize that we can live on a lot less than we had been previously and so grateful for a savings account that had enough money to help us stay afloat. The Lord has watched over us and cared for us by providing Jay with three part time jobs until he was able to obtain full time employment. He has taught our children that we don't always get what we want and to truly value and care for what you have.

Our lives are not the same as they were previous to December 19, 2008. We are still adjusting to life on a lot less money, but enjoying the benefits of health insurance, 401K and an increased testimony in the knowledge that we are truly children of our Father in Heaven and he is mindful of us and all times.

I remember a conversation last winter as Jay was job hunting and we were talking about what kind of job he would get and we both knew that it might not be what we were used to, but it would be the best job for our family - and that it is!

As I reflect on the past year and look forward to 2010 and the challenges we face now and will continue to face, I am so grateful for the increase in my faith and trust in my Savior and his plan and that one year from now I will be grateful for the challenges I am facing now and the growth that will come from them .