A few years ago a beloved leader of my church shared some inspiring words his mother told him when times were tough. She said, "Come what may, and love it."
I've thought a lot about that lately. Things don't always turn out like we planned, and life is full of difficulties. Our minds know that is part of the process of growth. We know the purpose of this life is to reach our potential and be like our Savior.
We cannot think that we can become like Him unless we pass through our own furnace of adversity.
So, how do we make it through the tough times, when our minds know but our hearts might fail? How do we say to ourselves, "Come what may, and love it?"
Elder Wirthland puts it far better than I ever could.
I've thought a lot about that lately. Things don't always turn out like we planned, and life is full of difficulties. Our minds know that is part of the process of growth. We know the purpose of this life is to reach our potential and be like our Savior.
We cannot think that we can become like Him unless we pass through our own furnace of adversity.
So, how do we make it through the tough times, when our minds know but our hearts might fail? How do we say to ourselves, "Come what may, and love it?"
Elder Wirthland puts it far better than I ever could.
He teaches that "the way we react in adversity can be a major factor in how happy and successful we can be."
The four keys he shares to doing this are:
1. Learn to laugh. It will extend your life, and theirs.
2. Seek for the eternal. Difficult times are "on the job training" which stretches our understanding, builds our character, and increases our compassion for others.
3. Understand the principle of compensation. "That which is taken away from those who love the Lord will be added unto them in His own way." "Every tear today will eventually be returned a hundred fold with tears of rejoicing and gratitude."
4. Trust in Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. They want us to be happy and be successful.
"The simple secret is this: Put your trust in the Lord, do your best and leave the rest to Him."
Thank you Elder Wirthlin.
Perspective is high on the list of attributes that are difficult to obtain. If we are to follow the admonishment of Elder Wirthlin we will find a profound change in the way we think about life and its challenges, and in that is a change in how we view and react (or act) towards adversity. Joseph Smith said (paraphrased) "Every wave of adversity has only wafted closer to my Savior". When we view adversity, do we view it as a stumbling block or a stepping stone....?
ReplyDeleteGreat post