In Praise
I've discovered something a little depressing about myself: I almost always focus on what's going wrong instead of what's going right. I can spend large amounts of time focused in on the one or two stressful things in my life, and never stop to think of all the blessings I have.
I have a great job. Yes, there's sometimes some interesting interpersonal challenges, but Those have really taught me alot and I've really enjoyed it. My job is challenging and I've learned about all kinds of new things, and I've gained some really marketable skills for the future. Plus, it provides me with enough money to meet my needs, and have some left over to help others with, or even just spend a night out on the town once in a while.
I found a great house with a wonderful roommate. I love the location, and the fact that I can decorate any way I want. It has great furniture and it's in great surroundings. My roommate and I have taken huge pride in decorating it, and people always comment on how beautiful it is. It makes us proud.
I have a college education. It has taught me so many things, not just about the things I learned in class, but about life. I'm also greatful to be done with it now and ready to begin life.
Most importantly, I have a set of friends who are like family to me. I credit this to coming into the group in a big way. I have connected with people since I've been in this group in a way I'd never been able to connect before. I can call them "Brother" or "Sister" with all my heart. They have enriched my life so much that I hesitate to try to describe it here. I'll just say that they have been so dependable and faithful. It's been a miracle on it's own.
My point is this: None of this was possible for me in my own power. My relationship with God is what has provided me with a willingness to stick to what His will is for my life. He has made me someone who can be a friend to others. He has made me into someone who can truly appreciate the beauty of my surroundings, and the beauty of the people around me. All that is good in my life has been a gift directly from His hands. And the greatest gift of all, after the Atonement, has been the miraculous way He has led me to the work. It has enlarged my soul in a way I never thought possible.
And my prayer for my own life, and for everyone else with this focus problem, is that we will always remember how blessed we truly are.
Be Thou my vision, Oh Lord of my heart,
Naught be all else to me save that Thou art
Thou my best thought by day or by night
Waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light
posted by JLL @ 11:29 AM
2 comments
2 Comments:
I remember back 25 years or so when I first found "the Principle" and the light and love I felt. I can feel that in your posts shining through. I would caution, however, that Pride is a deadly poision. Joseph Smith had much to say on Pride, Vanity and Flattery in the Teachings of the Propeht JS. The TPJS has become one of my favorite guidance books over the years.
Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, Section Three 1838–39, p.137
We would say, beware of pride also; for well and truly hath the wise man said, that pride goeth before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. And again, outward appearance is not always a criterion by which to judge our fellow man; but the lips betray the haughty and overbearing imaginations of the heart; by his words and his deeds let him be judged. Flattery is also a deadly poison. A frank and open rebuke provoketh a good man to emulation; and in the hour of trouble he will be your best friend; but on the other hand, it will draw out all the corruptions of corrupt hearts, and lying and the poison of asps is under their tongues; and they do cause the pure in heart to be cast into prison, because they want them out of their way.
Isaiah also has much to say about mixing the Spirit with Pride. In chapt 28 and 29 he talks about those who are drunk, but not with wine.
I have so enjoyed your posts and look forward to many more.
Thak you, and you're right. Pride is a big problem, and it's so easy to be in the grip of it and not even know. Thank you for your admonision, and your support, aswell.
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