Some may typically think that the Atonement is limited to helping those that have broken the commandments and need forgiveness, and indeed it does that, but the Atonement also empowers us when we fall short in other ways as well. For example, when we face obstacles that divert our course and our best is not enough, we needn’t give up and submit to failure. We are not alone. The ability and confidence initiated by the Atonement empowers us to try again with the confidence and knowledge that we will ultimately achieve success. The challenges in life have not yet molded us to become the people that we can eventually become, so we try again and again.
Let me illustrate this with a story. Years ago I was walking between campus and home when a friend passed by in a vehicle with his family. He smiled and waved. And wanting to return this courtesy, I too showed I was happy to see him, so I waved my hand in response. Admittedly, I was a little taken back at how excited this family was to see me, so I kept waving and walking. I noticed how animated and joyful these folks were, even the children were waving their hands now. Some of them were holding both hands up now. With my attention turned to this friend, I walked directly into a stop sign. They had been trying to alert me to my pending collision. My intentions were good, my efforts sincere, but the outcome wasn’t pleasant. Well it was long after the embarrassment subsided and the bump on my head disappeared that I finally learned a lesson from this experience. Sometimes our intentions are the only control we have over a situation and despite our best efforts, they alone are not enough. But add to our good intentions the Atonement of Jesus Christ and even our shortcomings are sufficient because His infinite gift restores all things to their proper form. How is that done? I have no idea, but I know Who does. And that is really all that matters.
I follow a blog about a particular family that adopted children from Ethiopia and the miracle these children have been in their lives. I was first introduced to this experience through a beautiful video that touched me deeply when I watched it.
Life has been busy and I failed to keep current reading new blog posts…until today. When I visited the page, I was horrified to hear that one of these beautiful children was taken in a car accident. Dozens of well-wishers extended sympathy and words of comfort to heal a broken family and particularly the mother. Their faith carries them through each day.
We all experience loss. But because of Jesus Christ, our sadness need not linger. The great plan of happiness extends the renewing power of God’s love and the miracle of his grace into your life.
And when times are tough and hope is all we have, we derive comfort through our confidence in Him.
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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