There are lessons to be learned and tears to be shed, and people to be loved, but we’re not out-matched.  We have gifts that need to be shared, and hearts that need to be lifted….and life that needs to be lived.  And I know that there are a lot of good people who quietly go through life behind the scenes touching the lives of others and sacrificing their time and talents for the benefits of their neighbors.  And for the most part, the only people who know that these acts of Christ-like love are taking place are the recipients of those acts.  I commend you all.  

But even though we are victors and not victims in this Plan of Life, and even though we are not here by accident, but by design, life can be difficult.  We all have our individual demons that we carry around with us.  They may include mistakes from the past, frustrating patterns in the present, or overwhelming anxieties about the future.  I would say to them, don’t give up and don’t give in.  Talk to others, and maybe even a professional, but do something.

And while we’re in the midst of a journey that has Eternal ramifications, we don’t need to run from life.  We need to face it and embrace it.  And we need to celebrate the journey, so don’t give up and don’t give in.  Ours is a journey that leads to Heavenly Father.  And that journey has brought us into the lives of others.  As we serve others, we become less selfish and less self-centered, and less self-absorbed.  This is the plan.  This is the way. 

We need to ask ourselves, do we live our lives on accident or on purpose.  We can’t afford to be distracted.  Life is good and it’s full of opportunities that lead to blessings and insights.  There’s a lot of pain in this world and there are many who don’t manage it very well.  Undoubtedly, this world is accomplishing everything it was designed to.  This is an amazing world with opportunities all along our paths.  So, strive to be alive.  Don’t let life pass you by without getting 24 hours of benefit.

Ours is a journey that leads to Heavenly Father.  And this journey has been made possible by the Savior.  Ours is the Gospel of Hope and that makes it possible to be all that Heavenly Father wants us to be.  And because of this journey, as we are brought into the lives of those we serve, we will discover that there is so much more to learn. 

Our lives are an educational endeavor, and there is no end to the educational process because we are children of God.  There is so much to learn, and at times it can seem  almost impossible.  Literally, we worship God; not only the name of God, but the very essence and presence and nature of God.  As we recognize that God is the source of all that is sacred, we will discover the beauty and spirituality of our own existence.  We will also begin to understand the relationship between where we are, and the supernal love that God has for each and every one of us.  That love, His love will bring us home.  And His love will go with us throughout all eternity.  What a gift.  So, stay strong!

We didn’t stumble into being where we are.  Our life at this point is what will lead us to the next level of knowledge, growth, and development.  And that process is eternal in nature.  Heavenly Father’s Plan is perfect.  At this point, we only understand some of the basics, and we need to be reminded about what the future holds. 

But for now, we need to remember to make the most of our journey.  That means that we need to remember some of the basics here in this life.  Some of the stepping stones include:  Always remember: you’re grown up now.  Life is not always fair.  Get over it.  Don’t share your dirty laundry.  Don’t whine.  Decide to grow beyond where you are.  Adjust.  Do what needs to be done.  No one’s perfect.  Develop an attitude of gratitude.  I’ve mentioned these principles before, but they are essential if we are to continue our journey to future levels.  There’s no end to the process.

In the book The Peacegiver, written by James L. Ferril, he understood this process when he listed some of the basic principles that include:  Being mistreated is the most important condition of mortality, for eternity itself depends on how we view those who mistreat us (end quote).

And William Glasser in his book Choice Theory listed seven habits that will cause us problems in our journey.  They include: criticizing, blaming, complaining, nagging, threatening, punishing, and bribing or rewarding to control.  And then he added Seven Caring Habits:  listening, negotiating, accepting, encouraging, respecting, supporting, trusting.  Undoubtedly, we all have a long way to go.

In spite of all that there is to learn in this world, this is a beautiful world.  It has been created for us.  Louis Armstrong sang a song that sums up this amazing world:  Some of his words are:  “I see skies of blue and clouds of white.  The bright blessed day, and the dark sacred night.  And I think to myself, what a wonderful world.”  And you know, he was right.  It really is a wonderful world.   So, make the most of it.  Don’t be a silent observer.  We don’t need to change the world, we simply need to recognize this amazing world that has been created for us.  Make the most of it.  Enjoy the journey.  Share the Light.

John Waterbury is a retired Clinical Mental Health Counselor who has lived in Utah since 1984 when he moved to Bountiful with his wife and four children. Since then, he has written a weekly column for several years for the Davis County Clipper titled “The Dear John Letters” which was also used throughout the intermountain West focusing on addiction and mental health problems. This new column will focus on mental health and life management issues.