Finding JOY in the Journey

Yesterday I sat down and watched a couple of talks of General Conference. One was the talk Finding Joy in the Journey given by President Monson during the Sunday Morning Session. I’d like to talk about some things that he mentioned in his talk.

If you are still in the process of raising children, be aware that the tiny fingerprints that show up on almost every newly cleaned surface, the toys scattered about the house, the piles and piles of laundry to be tackled will disappear all too soon and that you will—to your surprise—miss them profoundly.
Stresses in our lives come regardless of our circumstances. We must deal with them the best we can. But we should not let them get in the way of what is most important—and what is most important almost always involves the people around us. Often we assume that they must know how much we love them. But we should never assume; we should let them know. Wrote William Shakespeare, “They do not love that do not show their love.”3 We will never regret the kind words spoken or the affection shown. Rather, our regrets will come if such things are omitted from our relationships with those who mean the most to us.

It really hit me when he talks about how stresses come no matter what circumstance you are in and that we must deal with it the best we can. Sometimes I feel like my life can be incredibly stressful with two kids, but I know that this is the circumstance I’m in and that the Lord has told us that we must "prove them herewith, to see if they will do all things whatsoever the Lord their God shall command them" ( Abraham 3:24–25)
Whatever situation we find ourselves in, the Lord expects us to follow Him and be obedient to his commandments. I’m incredibly grateful for this message of hope. I know that as we appreciate the little things in life, express gratitude for the things that we have, and find JOY in the journey, that we will be happier.
Here are the things I’m most grateful for:
• My wonderful husband who shows me love and support, even when I don’t deserve it.
• Kaylin, who is quick to forgive and say “I love you my dear”
• Zachary, who is all smiles and giggles, especially when he says “Uh-Oh” a million times during Sunday School.
• My wonderful family and parents who have always loved me for who I am.
• For the chance to stay home and raise my kids. I can’t tell you how much I love being able to schedule my day and spend time with them.
• Phil’s job. In this grave economic crisis, I’m grateful that we have a paycheck and health insurance
• Our health, especially our little girl’s improved health.
• This wonderful gospel that inspires me daily to be better than I think that I can be.