It is not the big things that bring us joy—not directly. It’s the little things that make us happy. The big things are a result of the countless little things that we do.
We have all experienced missed calls. With today’s technology and our busy lives, it will inevitably happen even if you haven’t experienced it yet, and it may occur frequently. So we have implemented backup plans: call forwarding, answering machines, call waiting, etc. But really important calls are usually scheduled, and the topic and discussion prepared ahead of time. Why? Because the subject matter is so important that we don’t want to miss the opportunity to discuss and address the problem or situation at hand. Right? I think we can all agree on that.
Despite our best intentions in life, we still experience times of guilt, regret, sorrow, and pain. Thankfully, our propensity to follow Christ replaces those sentiments with forgiveness, gratitude, joy, and relief.
So in the midst of our hardships, we can focus on what is really essential and find joy in the simple components of what life has to offer. Rather than seeking the day when everything is perfect and we can finally be happy, make today the day when we are happy even amid strife, and bring others joy in our pursuit. That makes you the master of your destiny, rather than the consequence of your circumstances.
So I can hear you now saying “That’s a lot easier said than done.” You’re absolutely right. It is a whole lot easier said than done, but worthwhile things are never easy, and even difficulty can be valuable.
We often view others’ lack of faithfulness as a weakness or shortcoming, yet we all need to show and have confidence in Jesus Christ, especially in our own tedious circumstances. When confronting difficult obstacles in our lives or that of our families, we need to be courageous. We witness challenges to good people that don’t seem to deserve the hardship they face. What do we do then?
As we list the principles of the gospel, it is common for us to start with faith, and rightfully so. Faith in Jesus Christ is the foundation of our lives, supporting other principles and ordinances of the gospel. Faith in Jesus Christ also conveniently fits as the last principle of the gospel. When times are tough and things don’t seem to be going the way that they were planned (or least of all expected), we must have faith in His power to deliver us and take courage in His plan.
Be of good cheer—you are part of the winning team.
Final story. When I went to college, I was always amazed at the constant construction and renovation that was going on at campus—libraries, new and remodeled buildings, parking lots, and greenery. Gigantic structures literally towered into the sky everywhere we looked. Since I had the good fortune of working on campus, I regularly saw this situation play over and over. One day as I left campus, I noticed construction, dirt, and equipment. The next time I wandered past this particular spot on campus, the building construction was complete and grass fields, flowers, and full-sized trees dotted the landscape. It amazed me that these spots could be transformed in such a short time. Someone that had not seen the construction just a day or short time earlier would think that the campus had been like this for years. As amazing as this growth was, to the observant student, it was not hard to recognize.
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This phenomenon does not just take place on campuses. We are seeing a similar miracle occurring all over the world today, which has been prophesied for more two thousand years. Observant witnesses of the fulfillment of this phenomenon testify this is even more miraculous.
The kingdom of God on earth is like a stone cut out of the mountain without hands:
The keys of the kingdom of God are committed unto man on the earth, and from thence shall the gospel roll forth unto the ends of the earth, as the stone which is cut out of the mountain without hands shall roll forth, until it has filled the whole earth. (Doctrine and Covenants 65:2)
The Lord’s infrastructure is everywhere. You just have to look to see and recognize it.
The next time you use your phone, remember that God’s infrastructure is all about bringing you joy. It’s a call you won’t want to miss.
In 1989, Walter Penning formed a consultancy based in Salt Lake City and empowered his clients by streamlining processes and building a loyal, lifetime customer base with great customer service. His true passion is found in his family. He says the best decision he ever made was to marry his sweetheart and have children. The wonderful family she has given him and her constant love, support, and patience amid life's challenges is his panacea.
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