Sometimes, life is hard.
Sometimes it's just medium hard... but other times, it's real hard.
Like REAL hard.
And I've definitely learned that no one is exempt from it.
At some point, we all have to pass through the allies of loneliness, despair, heartache, and the other millions of unpleasant emotions that are a part of human experience.
Why?
Wouldn't it just be easier to be happy all of the time?
Wouldn't it just be better if we all fell in love with someone, could completely trust one another, rely on each other, love Heavenly Father unfailingly, and live happily ever after?
Would it be nice? Probs.
Would it be better?
The valleys of life are not fun. They hurt. Lots.
But we learn from them.
Through them we have the opportunity to become even more.
We are given a gift: the gift of becoming more like our Savior.
I'm not going to feign a cheery attitude about these incredibly difficult moments of our lives by saying that growth is a sweet experience... but I will say that it is definitely worth it.
"The most beautiful people we have known are those who have known defeat, known suffering, known struggle, known loss, and have found their way out of the depths. these persons have an appreciation,a sensitivity, an understanding of life that fills them with compassion, gentleness, and a deep loving concern. Beautiful people do not just happen." ~Elisabeth Kubler Ross
Who am I to tell my Father in Heaven where He needs me or what will be best for me?
I have seen too many times in my life how the most painful experiences have brought the greatest of blessings. I have learned time and time again that when we push forward in faith in the path that the Lord has laid before us, never ceasing to trust in Him, He can do so much more with our lives than we ever could on our own.
Each time, I become a little more refined, a little more purified, and a little closer to my Heavenly Father.
We're becoming pretty good friends by now.
I could put a million and a half applicable quotes to take up the rest of my blog post, but I think I'll just leave you with a few final thoughts.
First of all, everyone should read this talk RIGHT. NOW.
Your Happily Ever After by President Uchtdorf
Second of all, this scripture:
"O Lord, I have atrusted in thee, and I will btrust in thee forever. I will not put my ctrust in the arm of flesh; for I know that cursed is he that putteth his dtrust in the arm of flesh. Yea, cursed is he that putteth his trust in man or maketh flesh his arm.
Yea, I know that God will give aliberally to him that asketh. Yea, my God will give me, if I bask cnot amiss; therefore I will lift up my voice unto thee; yea, I will cry unto thee, my God, thedrock of my erighteousness. Behold, my voice shall forever ascend up unto thee, my rock and mine everlasting God. Amen." (2 Nephi 4:34-35)
Last of all, I just want to bear my testimony:
I know that Heavenly Father has a plan for us. If he cared enough to be involved in the fine details of making sure I was blessed enough to meet the wonderful people that have influenced my life, I know that he will continue to guide my path and footsteps as I continually push forward in faith. I know that He hears and answers my prayers. Everyone's prayers. He loves so much for us to turn to Him, and by so doing, I know that we are blessed with peace and comfort. I know that Jesus Christ is the Savior of the world. He died so that we might return to Him, and He lives to succor my soul bring peace to my heart. He is a real person. He is not a character from a story. He has suffered our pains and is here for us every step of the way. I am grateful for every opportunity that has been presented for me to grow closer to Him, to become more like Him. I am grateful for the love He has extended to me: for the opportunity to experience that love in a very real way for other people. I know that the Holy Ghost acts as God's messenger and brings this love and peace into our hearts. I know that they are real beings that help me every single day. For that I am eternally grateful. Of these things I testify in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
