Sacred Grove

mormon

Thursday, March 12, 2009

Happiness

As I began my run this morning, I was listening to Elder Wirthlin's talk, "Come what may and love it." I remembered the funny stories throughout, but what I took note of this morning was where the title came from. He was sad over a loss at a football game and his mom told him "Come what may and love it." He then went on to say, "I think she may have meant that every life has peaks and shadows and times when it seems that the birds don’t sing and bells don’t ring. Yet in spite of discouragement and adversity, those who are happiest seem to have a way of learning from difficult times, becoming stronger, wiser, and happier as a result."

I think of 2 Nephi 2:25 where is says, "Adam fell that men might be, and men are that they might have joy." When you look at the footnote under joy, it says, "Man, potential to become like Heavenly Father." That puts clarity on joy. Our joy comes as we become more like Him. I know that is something I have always known, but today, it struck me with more clarity. True happiness comes from becoming like him and finding joy in the process. As I think about some of the refining times that I have had in my life, I truly did feel joy throughout, as tough as it was, because I could see where it was taking me. I could see the transformation in perspective and understanding and I am so grateful that the Lord cares enough about me to provide opportunities for me to learn and grow and become like him.

I love Elder Uchtdorf's talk, Happiness, Your Heritage. In it he introduces how we can attain God's happiness. He says, "Heavenly Father is able to accomplish these two great goals—the immortality and eternal life of man—because He is a God of creation and compassion. Creating and being compassionate are two objectives that contribute to our Heavenly Father’s perfect happiness. Creating and being compassionate are two activities that we as His spirit children can and should emulate"

I love to create and so many time feel a need to creat something worthwhile, whether it is sewing a dress, cooking dinner, scrapbooking, and the list goes on. It all stems from my desire to create. It is a God given desire, and I feel so blessed for the joy I find in creating and the many talents I have been given in creating.

There is more in creating. Elder Uchtdorf goes on to say, "remember that you are spirit daughters of the most creative Being in the universe. Isn’t it remarkable to think that your very spirits are fashioned by an endlessly creative and eternally compassionate God? Think about it—your spirit body is a masterpiece, created with a beauty, function, and capacity beyond imagination." How we are helping our children to learn and to grow is the ultimate creative process in our lives. The fact that our Father in Heaven loves and trusts us enough to be parents is such a blessing. I find my greatest joys truly do come from my children.

My favorite quote from this talk is, "The more you trust and rely upon the Spirit, the greater your capacity to create. That is your opportunity in this life and your destiny in the life to come. Sisters, trust and rely on the Spirit. As you take the normal opportunities of your daily life and create something of beauty and helpfulness, you improve not only the world around you but also the world within you." I am so thankful for the Spirit in my life and the promptings that I am so blessed to recieve. I am thankful for the joy that comes from knowing that I am listening to the promptings of the Holy Ghost.

He closes his talk by saying, "My dear sisters, I have a simple faith. I believe that as you are faithful and diligent in keeping the commandments of God, as you draw closer to Him in faith, hope, and charity, things will work together for your good.14 I believe that as you immerse yourselves in the work of our Father—as you create beauty and as you are compassionate to others—God will encircle you in the arms of His love.15" I think I needed to read this talk today. I am so thankful for the words of the prophets and the love that they share with us. I am also thankful for the blessing that it is to know of my Father in Heaven's love for each of us and for the strength He gives to me every day.

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