With so much that is going on in the world today, the economy, the Presidential election and having to choose between the lesser of two evils, corrupt governments and law officials, added to our own family trials, mixed in with personal obstacles, I have to say that life has become almost unbearable for me right now. Unfortunately, I do maintain a pessimistic attitude towards A LOT of things and something I definitely want to change. Satan is working overtime to destroy families, to tear people away from the church and place stumbling blocks along our paths to prevent us from enjoying the happiness the Gospel and life have to offer! I NEVER thought I would see a time in my life where the world was so incredibly greedy and entirely consumed with themselves that selfish thoughts and behavior conquered honesty, love and friendship. Even families are turning their backs on one another. I know that the time of the Second Coming is drawing near, the vicious pride cycle is peaking and the Lord is chastening His people to repent and draw near to him. Soon, the wicked will be weeded out and it is unfortunate the righteous have to struggle along beside those who choose to do evil. However, with faith we shall endure, and with faith we shall not succumb to the temptations and unrighteous ways of the world.
With that said, there is a lot to be grateful for, nonetheless my negative attitudes towards the above mentioned are overcoming my righteous endeavors and have clouded my eternal perspective. I realize that I have so many good friends and family that care about and support me, IF I allow them two. A friend of mine wrote on her blog stating that she is attempting to change her outlook and attitude towards various aspects of life. On her blog she wrote, using her life in Alaska as an example:
"The Prophet, Thomas S. Monson, said that we need to enjoy the here and now…be
grateful for the present and all the joys we can find because the future, which
we so often live for, may never come.
I know that living here in Alaska has always been just a brief stop-over in my mind. I look forward to when we can move somewhere we won’t have to pile on hats and gloves in the beginning of October. But, in reality, Alaska could be where we stay for an extended period of time, and I need to get over my idea of a so-called ideal life and recognize all the joys to be had here and now. So, instead of saying “I have to live in Alaska”, I say “I get to live in Alaska”. And, here is how I view my life with
my children…I am the only woman in existence who has been and will be a significant and vital part of their growing up years. I am the one who got to experience their very first moments on earth. I am the one who gets to be with them as they get up each morning. Instead of saying “I have to” I say, “I get to”. I get to be a mother. I get to be a wife. Life is a blessing. Each moment is a gift. Each breath we take...is evidence of the miracle of our body functioning. I am determined to quit whining and start recognizing and being grateful for all I “get” to do! "
In the short time that she has started her blog, Lia has inspired me to change my outlook towards life, as difficult for me as it is. I'm sure she will read this and I want her to know how thankful I am for her words and sharing her personal life experiences so openly. And she is right, too often we go through our mundane lives, resenting what it is hoping for what it could be. Life is fragile, it is hard, we make mistakes, but we have to move forward with faith in the Lord that he will lighten our burdens as long as we strive to do what is right. He provided us with the Atonement. Will we allow it to be wasted? Or do we choose to let it be a part of our lives and utilize it? He still loves us despite of our flaws, despite of our weaknesses, and just wants us to make Him a part of our lives.
I'm starting a "Gratitude Journal" that will hopefully allow me to see all that I DO have, all that I GET to do, and all that I have to be thankful for. It's understood that I'm thankful for my family--Jon, Keilana and Kayden and even Bobo. They are the air I breath, my world, and my life. So I would like to begin with saying how grateful I am for my sister. I don't know if any two siblings could be closer. I don't want to say that I'm glad my younger sister died, but through her death it brought our family together; it brought my sister and I closer. She's there for me no matter what, she forgives me when I offend her, and she loves me for who I am and encourages my hopes and dreams. And to her I am grateful. Love you sis!
For anyone else struggling here is some comfort I offer. I happened upon this scripture while reading tonight, Heleman is talking to his sons: Hel. 5: 12
12 And now, my sons, remember, remember that it is upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your foundation; that when the devil shall send forth his mighty winds, yea, his shafts in the whirlwind, yea, when all his hail and his mighty storm shall beat upon you, it shall have no power over you to drag you down to the gulf of misery and endless wo, because of the rock upon which ye are built, which is a sure foundation, a foundation whereon if men build they cannot fall.
4 comments:
Wow, great post Vanessa. Thanks for the kind words, it means a lot. You are certainly a ray of sunshine to many, despite what you have been going through lately. Hang in there, because you are on the right path and I'm certain that Heavenly Father is pleased with you. I love you too!
Thanks Vanessa. I'm sure that was difficult for you to write but I needed to read it. I have been having a hard time with perspective lately and "seeing the big picture." I don't know what I would do without the gospel and especially Priesthood blessings. I love that scripture too. My poor Sunday School class (14-17 yr olds)... I made them read that scripture out loud at least 5 times before the end of that lesson... They were like "o.k. Sister May, we get it, it's important."
I'm not one for many words but I think you have expressed yourself beautifully and positively. I too thought about what the Prophet had said during conference about finding joy in the now. Sometimes my kids aren't happy about the small piece of cake they get and put up a huge fuss about why it isn't bigger. That's when I say,"If you're going to complain about the size and not be happy with what you have then I'll take it away all together!" Sometimes I wonder if I complain about the size cake I've been given.
Babe,
Those are such profound words. Reading through the paragraph, I could help but be proud to have such a wise and spiritual wife. I learn so much from your each day. You are such a blessing and a help to me. I love you.
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