How many choices does someone make a day?
It seems as though in everything we do, we have a choice. Agency is one of the greatest blessings that we have. Even though life is hard and it is sometimes difficult to make all these choices, it really is a blessing. We just have to use our agency for a righteous purpose.
One of the things that I believe we have constant control over is our attitude. In every situation we face we are able to choose to be sweet or sour! A great person in my life often told me, "You always have a choice... you can do it happy, or you can do it sad!" How true that is! With the trials and struggles that we face everyday we get to choose to be happy or let them effect us negatively, which leads to discouragement. Satan wants us to choose the negative, he wants us to be discouraged and miserable like himself. (see 2 Nephi 2:27) But that is not why we are here! We are on this earth "that [we] might have joy" (2 Nephi 2:25) So "Find Joy in the Journey," "Come What May and Love it" and love life, no matter what is thrown at you!!
Sometimes it is hard to continue strong and steadfast with a positive attitude. So, allow me to share a personal experience. Lately, I have been stressed and the bad attitude has begun to kick in. I have wanted to kick it, but I just haven't had the will power. Yesterday I got a Priesthood Blessing from my Mission President. After the blessing and the encouragement to study from the Book of Mormon, and Preach My Gospel everyday, I set out. I was determined to kick this attitude of mine out of my life. Last night I did great and it was relatively easy, I didn't have any struggles. This morning, I studied from the Book of Mormon, and Preach My Gospel as suggested. The spirit was strong, and I felt great! Then the first struggle of my "new attitude" came. It was a simple thing, but I had to try hard to focus on the good and maintain a positive attitude. The study from this morning along with prayer in the time of need paid off. I was able to maintain the attitude that God wants me to have and to "Find Joy in the Journey."
My wish is that we will all be able to achieve and maintain a positive attitude.
Thanks Elder, I apprieciate your hard work and for spreading the gospel as you are. Keep Spreading the Faith!
ReplyDeleteIt's so true that everything we say and do comes from the initial attitude we have! This morning as I read Looking For the Good which really outlined exactly what you said here. I love the agency that our Loving God has given us! Don't ever forget though that even though we have agency the more we follow God with it, the better we are!
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