This is something I have been thinking a lot about lately. The Lord has called me to work in the Relief Society Presidency and given me some of the most awesome sisters to serve with. I love the ward I am in and the things I have been learning. But sometimes it is so much easier to be oblivious to others struggles and challenges. I had grown accustom to attending church and giving my Relief Society lesson once a month. It gave me many warm fuzzies to share that spiritual moment with wonderful sisters. The rest of the month I was home focused on me and my family and our challenges. It was all good.
Then the Lord surprised me with this very humbling calling and wow. I never knew I had it so good. I mean I knew I was blessed, I wasn’t complaining. But I didn’t know to what extent I was blessed. And as I watch others in their struggles I am learning much about the principle of happiness. Some are happy in spite of their great challenges, others are bitter, and others miserable. It all seems to relate to attitudes and actions.
I have noticed that it is not how much a person is suffering, but how they face their challenges that makes all the difference. Some face them with gratitude, faith, and hope. Others complain and see nothing more than their suffering and misery. These are families that are facing deaths, cancer, loss of jobs, unexpected pregnancies, miscarriages, and other debilitating illnesses. For the most part these families have been a great example of hope, faith, and strength. They continue to be happy in spite of their challenges. Why?
It is their choice. They choose thoughts and actions that lead to happiness. Happiness is not just given to us.
