Thursday, January 6, 2011

Bad Day Flipped

This has definitely not been my week. First of all, I had such a high in California that coming back to Utah has been much like the weather, just plain old dreary and overcast. Second, I went to a funeral for a little baby yesterday. Sad. Third, I am starting to be aware that I am desperately single and 24 in Utah. Due to Mormon culture, that practically makes me a spinster. And lastly, the pants I wanted to wear on my first day of school for my last semester ever did not make it to they dryer in time and are still wet. And there you have my laundry list of woe's.

So I prayed. And I told Heavenly Father that I was not happy. And then I decided to clean my room. First loner piece of paper that I picked up to start the organization frenzy was this message from Richard G. Scott from the 11/06 ensign saying:

True, enduring happiness, with the accompanying strength, courage, and capacity to overcome the greatest difficulties, will come as you center your life in Jesus Christ. Obedience to His teachings provides a secure ascent in the journey of life. That takes effort. While there is no guarantee of overnight results, there is the assurance that, in the Lord’s time, solutions will come, peace will prevail, and happiness will be yours.

The challenges you face, the growth experiences you encounter, are intended to be temporary scenes played out on the stage of a life of continuing peace and happiness. Sadness, heartache, and disappointment are events in life. It is not intended that they be the substance of life. I do not minimize how hard some of these events can be. When the lesson you are to learn is very important, trials can extend over a long period of time, but they should not be allowed to become the confining focus of everything you do. Your life can and should be wondrously rewarding. It is your understanding and application of the laws of God that will give your life glorious purpose as you ascend and conquer the difficulties of life. That perspective keeps challenges confined to their proper place—stepping-stones to further growth and attainment.

The Lord is intent on your personal growth and development. Your progress is accelerated when you willingly allow Him to lead you through every growth experience you encounter, whether you welcome the experience or not. Trust in the Lord. Ask to be led by the Spirit to know His will. Be willing to accept it. You will then qualify for the greatest happiness and the heights of attainment from this mortal experience.

I guess my point sharing this with you is that maybe you are feeling the same way I am, just in your own way. Maybe the January blues are getting to you too and you need a little sunshine. Looking at Richard G. Scott's words, it shows plain and clear that the Savior provides that light, peace, happiness, and joy. If we view life as though it is a test to be overcome, then we can better have control over our feelings and emotions. I know that this helps me cope with the hard things a little bit better. Not perfectly, but at least have the strength to work towards a perfect eternal perspective.

So take care all of you dear blog readers who are also seeking to find the strength and peace to carry you through the hard times. Even though it is tough, hold on. It's just part of the test.

2 comments:

HettyA said...

THank you for that! I seriously have been feeling like things have just been pretty rotten lately for the new year! <3

Pete and Kimmy said...

You're awesome Jaimie! Thanks for the inspiration; I love your blog for that reason!