JOYful living

One of my main goals of 2015 is to live happily, despite life's challenges.  To model to my children that we can CHOOSE happiness "come what may". I know this notion can solicit varied responses…a rolling of the eyes, a sigh of those who think "she hasn't yet had big enough challenges", a polite smile from one who thinks that is a nice but naive idea, or a hardened look that such a belief comes from one "who doesn't know anything".  It can be a scary goal, knowing my own weaknesses and the stresses of life!

Today I read this quote which led to a brainstorming of how I can accomplish my lofty 2015 goal.
 
 "My dear brothers and sisters, there will be days and nights when you feel overwhelmed, when your hearts are heavy and your heads hang down. Then, please remember, Jesus Christ, the Redeemer, is the Head of this Church. It is His gospel. He wants you to succeed.   
He gave His life for just this purpose. He is the Son of the living God. And He will help you.” —President Dieter F. Uchtdorf
 

This underscores the fact that life is clearly NOT intended, nor supposed, to be easy.  It seems a dichotomy:  we are here to be tested, tried, stretched to our limits to gain experience and choose faith; yet, "men are that they might have JOY" (2 Ne. 2:27).  How is this possible?  I know the power of positivity and try to be a positive person, but if I'm truly honest in my day to day life, I don't know that message speaks louder than the little comments of frustration that I let escape & come with the crazy schedule of a family of 7, stressed from the many commitments and expectations we all have day in and day out.  In fact, I'm pretty sure my cute kids would agree they hear much more of pressing to get their chores done, homework completed, help with siblings, stop fighting, or to quickly jump in the car to get to our next hurried event!  I let the small, mundane things of life overtake a fun, positive attitude and I give in to becoming annoyed, frustrated, and feeling the need to make the most of a "teaching moment" when a child falls short somehow!  
 
I want to face each day with the question: "How can I bring happiness to this next situation or person I interact with?"  I have concluded that for me, I must begin with this thought in mind, take time to think through what my day entails and how I can model joy in it, focus on what positive attributes I'm trying to develop, then PRAY: to see my kids, my experiences, my life, through an eternal perspective lens.  My friend reinforces to her kids to "make someone smile today" and it helps them focus on another and thus become happier themselves.

Dieter Uchtdorf's quote above tells us we all will feel heavy, overwhelmed, and down from life, but He knows we will succeed.  He, in fact, "gave his life for that purpose"!  He will help us.  Adam and Eve "became like the gods", why?  Because they knew "good from evil" and that everything has its "opposite".  Then their ultimate commandment:  that they "may have JOY" in their living and knowledge.  Hmmm, much of life's greatest trials and tests come because some use that great gift of choice God gave us all, for the despair of others.  They steal, take advantage, murder, abuse, lie, force, manipulate, and waste away their lives taking away the peace, security, and trust of others.  Still, we are to have JOY?  In rape?  In deceit?  In murder, plunder, blame, cheating?  

As I pondered this, the thought came that the joy doesn't come from those who commit such acts, nor in enduring them, but in the fact that Christ OVERCAME them all!  That no matter what people say or do, Jesus Christ "gave his life" to overcome it all and can leave peace where there was heartache; happiness where there was sorrow and despair.   

“For the mountains shall depart and the hills be removed, but my kindness shall not depart from thee” (3 Nephi 22:10). “I have mercy on thee, saith the Lord thy Redeemer” (3 Nephi 22:8).  He will not forget!  His "grace is sufficient".  Pres. Uchtdorf concludes:  "My dear friends, the Savior heals the broken heart and binds up your wounds (see Psalm 147:3). Whatever your challenges may be, wherever you live on this earth, your faithful membership in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the divine powers of the gospel of Jesus Christ will bless you to endure joyfully to the end."  ("Have We Not Reason to Rejoice?", Oct. 2007, Dieter F. Uchtdorf)
 
Those we enjoy being around most are usually HAPPY people.  May we be one of those who smile, uplift and inspire happiness! Here's to seeing JOY and being FULL of it!