Hope

I realize lately how easy it is to focus on all the things that I can't do because of the situation I find myself in. I recognize how often I reflect on the things that are withheld from me instead of the things bestowed upon me. Maybe this is a time to open my mind to new things. To not get stuck on what I think is best or right but to look for opportunities to change in the direction that is intended. I feel that I've been so concerned trying to figure out all the things that I want that I quite possibly have been keeping the door shut to receiving guidance from the one who know what will bring me the most joy. For we know that 'men are that they might have joy.' As I think about the word joy, a lot of experiences come to mind. Most of them have to do with a time that I was able to see someone else experience joy. I cannot think of anything greater to behold. Each time someone was filled with joy it was directly related to them being taught about the gospel, which naturally leads one to hope. I'm reminded of the story in the book of Alma when Ammon gains the trust of kind Lamoni and has the opportunity to teach him all about the 'plan of redemption which was prepared from the foundation of the world; he also made known until them concerning the coming of Christ.' Lamoni had not heard these things before and upon learning them, he immediately turned to the Lord for forgiveness and mercy. He was so overcome with 'joy that he sunk to the earth.' He was taught there was more, better, greater things to come. He had reason now to Hope for a better live than he currently had.
"Hope is the abiding trust that the Lord will fulfill His promises to you. It is manifest in confidence, optimism, enthusiasm and patient perseverance. It is believing and expecting that something will occur."(PMG pg 117) It is so easy to get caught up in the things that aren't happening, trust me I'm an expert. But I know that the Lord does not promise something he does not intend to deliver. So now I guess is time for me to just think of other things to do with my time and make the most of it and to push out those thoughts of doubt and discouragement. Because they will undoubtedly come. But I know that with 'confidence, optimism, enthusiasm and patience' we can live our lives in a way that opens our hearts and souls to joy. For that is why we are here.