Peace and Joy in the Journey

The other day while straightening Caroline's bedroom, I ran across a handout she recieved Sunday from her lesson in YW.  It included this excerpt from a talk given by Joseph B. Wirthlin and I was touched as I read it - such a beautiful reminder for me and my daughter of finding joy in every moment . . .

"The people of God are a joyful people.  We understand there are times for sobriety, reverence, and devotion; we also understand that we possess the joyful priciples of eternal life.  So many of us are always waiting to be happy.  For too many, happiness is just over the horizon, never reachable.  Every time we climb one hill, happiness beckons just beyond the next.

Make up your mind to be happy - even when you don't have money, even when you don't have a clear complexion, even when you don't have the Nobel Prize.  Some of the happiest people I know have none of the things the world insists are necessary for satisfaction and joy.  Why are they  happy?  I suppose it is because they didn't listen very well.  Or they listen too well - to the things their hearts tell them.  They glory in the beauty of the earth.  They glory in honest labor.  They glory in the scriptures.  They glory in the presence of the Holy Ghost.  Do not procrastinate a minute longer.  Every moment is precious.  Determine now that you will make of your lives something remarkable!

As I look back on it now, I wonder if those times of trial and loneliness weren't instrumental in strengthening my character and heightening my desire to succeed.  Those times of seeming failure may have been some of the most instrumental of my life, because they prepared me for greater things to come.

Create of your lives something worthy of your divine heritage.  As you pursue righteous desires, the Lord will be with you and will direct your paths.  He wants you to be happy and successful.  He wants you to come unto Him.  May you find peace and joy in your journey throughout life."

~ Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin (1917-2008) ~