Joy: Day 26

This morning, when I should have been showering and I should have been getting things done, I crawled into bed and checked facebook. A couple of friends had posted the same video, so I decided to give it a try.  (You might want to grab some kleenex...)



The words of this song were so touching for me.  I love the imagery of having your path planned out--and then a mountain is put right in front of you.  You try to find a way around, but really, the only way is up.  But, when you get to the top, the view is more than you could have imagined.  It reminded me of some verses of scripture I read recently in Hebrews 11. 

The chapter starts out by giving many examples of biblical prophets, (Abel, Noah, Enoch, Abraham), and how they exercised their faith--how and what they accomplished because of their faith.  And then it says this:

These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.

For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country.

And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned.

But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city.

Our trials are hard.  Some we experience are more challenging than others.  But, there is great joy in the knowledge that we do not struggle or hurt in vain.  We struggle because God is providing us a more expansive view--a better country--one where we can dwell with Him forever.  What a joyful thought!  Even in the midst of our trial, God is preparing a way for us to see further than we ever intended to see.  To know more, to grow more, and to become more like Him. 

So, when we feel stuck half way up that mountain and can't see the view yet, we can take comfort in the knowledge that it will come.  "...[M]en are, that they might have joy," (2 Nephi 2:25), is not just a platitude--but a reality that the Lord will bless us with.  That is His goal.  And He will help us get there.


Other joys for the day:
Having a "crafting day" with a good friend.  (I was amazed that her child actually took a nap here!)
Going to YW for the first time in a LONG time.  I love those girls!
When I forgot to pick her up, Kallie walked home from the bus herself--instead of going to a friend's house, (like last time).