Tuesday, December 8, 2009

FInding Joy in the Journey

A few things have occurred lately that have led me to ponder on my life and what really means the most to me. A few weeks ago I went to a relief society activity where they handed out a christmas gift to all of us. It was a homemade spiral bound book with an activity for every day of December, based off of President Monson's talk "Finding Joy in the Journey." Each activity is something that is supposed to helps us to remember our joys and gratitude in this journey. I have to admit I was very excited, for a few minutes each day I now have the opportunity to complete the little activity for the day and ponder on what I might get out of that particular lesson. Well as you can imagine our first "mini-lesson" as I would refer to it was to read President Monson's talk, and highlight any points that stood out to me. Well I could almost highlight the whole thing! I strongly suggest that you read it if you have not already! So to save you from a very long post, and because I want you to read it yourself, I am only going to go over a few points that really popped out at me.

*Time never stands still, it must steadily march on, and with the marching come the changes...I plead with you not to let those most important things pass you by as you plan for that illusive and nonexistent future when you will have time to do all that you want to do. Instead, find joy in the journey-now.

*Our realization of what is most important in life goes hand in hand with gratitude for our blessings.

And lastly President Monson's testimony:
"He (Jesus Christ) taught us how to pray. He taught us how to serve. He taught us how to live. His life is a legacy of love. The sick He healed; the downtrodden He lifted; the sinner He saved. The time came when He stood alone. Some Apostles doubted; one betrayed Him. The Roman soldiers pierced His side. The angry mob took His life. There yet rings from Golgotha's hill His compassionate words, "Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.".... "No room in the Inn" was not a singular expression of rejection-just the first. Yet He invites you and me to receive Him. "Behold I stand at the door, and knock; if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. Let us follow Him. Let us emulate His example. Let us obey His word. By so doing, we give to Him the divine gift of gratitude."

My new goal is to focus more on Finding Joy in the Journey what a blessed life we have and to not show gratitude is selfish. Let those you love know that you love them and how much they mean to you. You will never regret it.