Optimism

My favorite quote since high school has been:

"Life is too long 

not to be happy." 

--Anonymous

I don't write about religious things very often on here, but felt compelled to today.  :)

I have been preparing a lesson on Optimism to teach to the 12 & 13 yr old girls at church.

In doing so, I was reconnected with this talk by Joseph B. Wirthlin entitled "Come What May, and Love It"

It's a short, easy, read.  You can even read it right now, then come back and share your comments w/ me.  That would be fun wouldn't it?

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It talks about dealing with sorrow, trials, and finding the good in our lives.  "The way we react to adversity can be a major factor in how happy and successful we can be in life."

I'm an optimist by nature, but that definitely does not preclude me from having down days.  I really love the thoughts he shares in this talk about things that have helped him get through tough times.

He tells some funny stories from his family about learning to laugh when we are tempted to groan.

He reminds us that no one is exempt from experiencing sorrow.  It's part of the plan.  He explains the eternal perspective and the sacrifice of our Savior, Jesus Christ.  He says, "These experiences, while often difficult to bear at the time, are precisely the kinds of experiences that stretch our understanding, build our character, and increase our compassion for others."

He helps us understand the "Principle of Compensation."  Such amazing promises.  He says "while it may not come at the time we desire, the faithful will know that every tear today will eventually be returned a hundredfold with tears of rejoicing and gratitude."

He also tells us to put our trust in our Heavenly Father, and His Son, Jesus Christ - who wants us to be happy and successful, and who will step in if we do our part.  "He will comfort and uphold us.  He will strengthen us in our weakness and fortify us in our distress."

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Thanks for letting me share.