This was one of my favorite books read in 2016. In it I found a treasure trove of wisdom and goals to work on. The author speaks of things taught throughout the scriptures and the gospel, that may at first glance appear to be paradoxical. But on further review, as was taught to us by our prophet President Thomas S. Monson, we learn to unleash great power as we "take the harder right and not the easier wrong." This is a must read for everyone. Very thought provoking and insightful ideas that kept me reflecting....
Like the other day when I overheard one of my kids expressing to a friend how sad and down they felt about something they had done. My first response, once the friend had left, was to rush in and try to fix the sad. After all a good parent and society at large wouldn't want someone walking around feeling sad or awful about themselves right? But what if me attempting to swoop down and fix the sad actually makes my child feel even more unhappy? What if down really leads us back up again and is the more prudent and wise path?
Speaking from my own experiences being down or feeling guilty can actually be a call for me to make a positive change in my life, giving me momentum and upward movement towards my own eternal progression. It has led me to take a more honest look at my own behaviors rather than blaming someone else. And to repent as is necessary.
Instead of feeling disdain for ourselves we can let it soften us and create a humble place. By doing this it allows us to begin to constructively create a plan so that we can grow once again. Instead of wallowing in self pity, being in life long therapy or looking for a quick fix pill...we might instead ask ourselves a soul searching question like: "What is it I have to learn from this experience?" With this in mind we can take this question to prayer and through the Spirit, God can tutor and shape us, even through our most difficult journeys.
Our happiness and confidence can grow as we begin to constructively look at possible solutions or lessons we can take away from each challenge that we face. Mortality is a great way to learn from the variety of unique circumstances given to us for our good and our growth. I love the great plan of redemption and as painful as they can be at times, I love each lesson here in mortality that helps me come closer to God!
