Perspective

"True, enduring happiness, with the accompanying strength, courage, and capacity to overcome the greatest difficulties, will come as you center your life in Jesus Christ. Obedience to His teachings provides a secure ascent in the journey of life. That takes effort. While there is no guarantee of overnight results, there is the assurance that, in the Lord’s time, solutions will come, peace will prevail, and happiness will be yours.

The challenges you face, the growth experiences you encounter, are intended to be temporary scenes played out on the stage of a life of continuing peace and happiness. Sadness, heartache, and disappointment are events in life. It is not intended that they be the substance of life. I do not minimize how hard some of these events can be. When the lesson you are to learn is very important, trials can extend over a long period of time, but they should not be allowed to become the confining focus of everything you do. Your life can and should be wondrously rewarding. It is your understanding and application of the laws of God that will give your life glorious purpose as you ascend and conquer the difficulties of life. That perspective keeps challenges confined to their proper place—stepping-stones to further growth and attainment.

The Lord is intent on your personal growth and development. Your progress is accelerated when you willingly allow Him to lead you through every growth experience you encounter, whether you welcome the experience or not. Trust in the Lord. Ask to be led by the Spirit to know His will. Be willing to accept it. You will then qualify for the greatest happiness and the heights of attainment from this mortal experience.

Peace and happiness are the precious fruits of a righteous life. They are only possible because of the Atonement of Jesus Christ."
Elder Richard G. Scott "The Atonement Can Secure Your Peace and Happiness"

 A friend gave me the bolded part of this quote after Sunday School today. He had taught the lesson and because I had some things to do for one of my callings, I went in late. I don't know if the quote was a part of the lesson, or he just randomly gave me the quote when someone brought it up to him after the lesson. Whatever the reason, I am so grateful he gave it to me. It is exactly what I needed at exactly the right time. I've had a really rough past month. Let me correct that. I've had a really rough past YEAR. Lately it's been really rough. Basically, I'm emotionally drained from... EVERYTHING. I don't feel comfortable explaining all the reasons why here on a blog, but that doesn't matter. What matters is that this past week I've received help from a couple friends and inspiration from the Spirit that has helped me to know how I can be happy even while enduring many difficult trials, just like the above quote says. My friend giving me the quote was a tender mercy of Heavenly Father letting me know that I'm on the right track. Today I've felt happier than I have in a while and it's thanks to my friends and a very loving Heavenly Father.