We all need hope, and yet hope comes in many different sizes and shapes. So, what is hope? Hope is believing that the benefits of life will be greater than the discomforts. Hope is believing that we’ll grow stronger than the unfairness in life.  Hope is believing that our lives are inter-related and that we’re part of the whole. Hope is believing that in spite of our imperfections, there’s a purpose to the challenges we’re going through. Hope is believing that we’re going to be OK. Hope is believing that as the world changes, we’ll grow stronger. Hope is believing that our decisions and choices will shape our destiny. Hope is believing that in spite of our mistakes, we’re not done yet, and we can dream new dreams. Hope is accepting that even with our hope, sometimes we’re going to be overwhelmed.  

With this in mind, Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf reminded us that: Though we are incomplete, God loves us completely. Though we are imperfect, God loves us perfectly. Though we might feel lost and without compass, God’s love encompasses us completely. (The Love of God, Ensign, Nov. 2009)

I know you all know this, and I know you’re aware that the words “Be of good cheer” are repeated numerous times in the scriptures. But I also know that we all need to be reminded regularly.

The most important thing I know is that Heavenly Father can fix anything and everything. He knows what has happened to us in the past, even those things that no one else knows about. But He also knows what our Eternal potential can be in spite of those experiences. He wants us to trust Him enough so that we will choose to be of good cheer.

With this in mind, Elder Jeffrey R. Holland gave us a great sense of hope when he wrote: If you’re lonely, please know that you can find comfort. If you are discouraged, please know that you can find hope. If you are poor in spirit, please know that you can be strengthened. If you feel broken, please know that you can be mended. (end quote)

Now, as a retired therapist, I know there are so many in this world who have been hurt so much that they might even have given-up hope of ever finding relief. We can’t afford to think that way. The Savior can unravel the past!

Remember, at this point in our progression, our goal is not to be more perfect; it is to be less imperfect, and more trusting of the Savior. We can do that!

It would be easy to be overwhelmed by where we are, and by what we haven’t done right. So maybe we need to look at ourselves a little bit differently. A quote from the writer Art Markham helps us in this matter. He wrote; It’s not about what we’re trying to quit; it’s about what we’re trying to become (end quote).  And we know that we’re trying to become a little bit more like our Elder Brother.

While this life can be difficult at times, it was never meant to be a curse. It’s a course. And if it seems that we’re not where we want to be, maybe we need to ask ourselves, “What am I practicing that doesn’t work?” I sincerely believe that even with our failings and shortcomings, we’re right on track.  Everything is preparatory. So, be passionate about life. Take notes. Take pictures. Give more than you get, and get up one more time than you fall. We’re not alone. The Lord said, I am with you always.  Trust Him. Follow His light.             

We have a choice! Don’t settle for mediocrity. Document your existence. Remember to take notes, take pictures, and take time.

Let those around you know they are loved. Don’t wait for the right time, but create the right time.

Touch life, contribute to life, and participate in life. Be actively involved.

Look for the beauty, and expect to find it.

Laugh at yourself.

Know your priorities. Let them be your guide.

We live in a world that is full of choices. Enjoy them. 

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.  λ