We CAN find happiness

I watched this video the other day, a particularly trying day, and it help put things in perspective for me. We were not put on this earth to fail miserably; our Father in Heaven wants us to succeed and to be happy.

Elder Scott pointed out that we live in a majestic world. After watching this video I reflected on that. I thought of all the places we have lived and visited and remembered the breathtaking views we have seen; from a fiery sunset on a beach, to 200 year old oak trees lining a walkway, to being surrounded by colorful fallen leaves. There is beauty all around us. I am grateful that God has given us such an awe-inspiring world to live in. It brightens my darkest days to think about these things. It is a manifestation of God's love for us.

Elder Scott also reads D&C 24:8, which says,

Be patient in afflictions, for thou shalt have many; but endure them, for, lo, I am with thee, even unto the end of thy days.

I'm sure if you asked any of my friends or family to list words that describe me, patience would not be on that list. I love the scripture above, even though it tells me to be patient, because it reminds me that I am going to experience many difficult times. That may sound depressing but it shouldn't because then the verse says that the Lord will be with me always and he can give me the strength to endure them.

I just wrote about two very different points of the video and now I will put them together. I know I will experience many afflictions in my life. If I am grumpy and impatient, will it make the trials go away?

NO WAY! It will only make life more difficult.

How can I endure trials with patience? By finding joy amidst the trial.

Reflecting on the love God has for me always puts things in perspective. An easy way to see that love is to find beauty around me; sunsets, sunrises, flowers, mountains, trees, rivers, animals, etc.

I know this post has been a bit rambly bambly... yes I made that up. I needed to write this today because it helped remind me that we are meant to be happy and to have joy. It is up to me to be happy. 

An Expected End

We all know people who struggle or suffer in a variety of ways. In fact, whether we are aware of the struggles of those around us or not, it is safe to assume that everybody we come in contact with is facing one difficulty or another. Some struggles are long-lasting and others short, but they certainly happen to us all. Several people that I am close to have serious health problems that will likely continue until the end of this life; others have already reached that point. Of course health problems aren't the only struggles faced in this life, and given the eternal nature of all of God's children, health problems are not necessarily the worst struggle we could face. Several months ago I came across some verses in the Old Testament that bring me comfort when I consider the difficulties of life.

This is Jeremiah, speaking on behalf of the Lord to the Jews in Babylon:

11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.

 12 Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you.

 13 And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.

 14 And I will be found of you, saith the Lord: and I will turn away your captivity[.]

The Lord knows our individual struggles and needs; He is aware of us in every way. Not only that, but His thoughts toward us are those of peace. He wants to bless us. And, not only that, He foresees the day when our struggles will be over, even when we do not.

Forrest
--Who just feels grateful