Prone to Pessimism

I love this man. I love his optimistic outlook. I think optimism stirs a healthy sense of humor, which he always demonstrated. As someone who has a natural, inherited tendency to being pessimistic and somewhat negative outlook, I love to associate with optimistic people. Thank you President Hinckley and all my optimistic family and friends. I want to let your positive nature rub on me.

Beware of snakes

While hiking, I was stopped quickly from proceeding on the trail by a father who had spotted a rattle snake hidden in the vegetation inches away from the path I was about to take.

I'm grateful for that father who had seen the danger I couldn't see and warned me. A snake bite would have ruined my hike and interrupted my day, to say the least.

It is that way in life. We can be heading in a direction where danger lurks and not even be aware. I know there are people in my life who will warn me. I  know that I have been blessed with the gift of the spirit that will prompt me of danger. I also know I have been given standards and commandments that can protect me from harm and pain.

The morals in our society seem to be on a slippery slope going down hill. It is easy to become desensitized to the rude behavior, declining morals, and increasing vanity; and thus I can look around and think I am not so bad even if I have let myself slide as well.

I am grateful for warning voices to help me know that if I continue on the path that there can be danger ahead. 

Trouble in America. Trouble right here.

I personally am finding it hard to support a candidate for President of the United States. It is easy to get caught up in the negativity of the current election and be consumed with the wrong doings of not only the candidates but other people in general.

This scripture was a timely reminder for me.

"I desire that ye should let these things trouble you no more and only let your sins trouble you, with that trouble which shall bring you down unto repentance."

Once again, a very personal reminder of focusing on the only person and situation I have control over. My personal sins should be the only thing that causes me significant trouble and only to compel me to repent. It is the cleansing power of the atonement that will give me hope and take away that troubling feeling.

Restoration not Entitlement

There are some powerful scriptures that talk about how after we die, we will be restored to that which we have become in this life. It is a reminder that we will reap what we have sown.

In a world where feelings of entitlement reigns, it is a great reminder that we aren't entitled to rewards we haven't done our best to earn. There are great miracles that we can't achieve on our own available because of the Atonement, but we are always expected to do all that we can. What we ultimately become is because of our efforts and then the transcending blessings that our Savior offers us both in our efforts and in the final result.

Control vs Influence

While I was pondering the statement from Alma 38:12 about bridling my passions so that I can be filled with love, I realized that it is always important to bring my passions or enthusiasm under control. It is a great reminder that I am the only person I can really control. There is an area in which I can have influence but not control. And there is an even broader area in which I have concern but neither control or influence.

Let's take politics, for example. It seems like there is a lot of unbridle passion for this election and people don't seem to be filled with love. I know that the more energy I spend on that circle of concern in which I have neither control or influence over, the angrier it can make me. Peace and love only reside in staying focused on what I can control and then with the extra energy I have, using it to be a positive influence.

Never Give Up

I have a plant in our last home that  I neglected and was looking very sickly. I had planned to just throw it away when we moved. instead I put it in a choice spot and fertilized it and started to once again water it consistently and giving it some tender, loving care. It has started to fill out and is doing beautifully! I am glad I didn't give up on it.

It is the same way I feel about some of my relationships. Oftentimes it is tempting to just throw something or someone away. But I know that isn't how my Heavenly Father works and nor should I. With a little tender loving care, most people and relationships can be saved and start thriving again.