Hoping for Happiness

I got an email just now from a dear friend of mine, offering love and comfort and even a reference to an awesome talk given by Elder Uchtdorf in this last conference called The Infinite Power of Hope. (It's incredible - have a read.)

At first I felt silly for the tears that came to my eyes over a simple act of kindness, but then I realized that my friendships and even emotions are such blessings. I have been given so much - especially the last few months. I'm about to get mushy and religious, so if you are uninterested be warned.

I have wondered so much lately how people get through difficult times in life without the Gospel. Even knowing everything I know and feeling God's love so strongly, I have still had an unbelievably hard time. I think I reached a breaking point. That place where I literally had to fall to my knees and admit that I can't do it anymore. I needed help - somehow, even if in only ONE aspect of my life. I felt like I had 50 plates spinning and all of them were crashing.

And honestly, miracles started happening. I have learned incredible things about the Atonement and its ability to not only remove stain but also sorrow and sickness of heart. I know Christ lives and is very aware of me and my situation. It's been such a relief to step back and let Him take control of things. I'm just moving forward, trusting the fact that He's led me in good directions so far and will continue to.

One of my favorite EFY songs ever is called "Broken" by Kenneth Cope. You should look it up. It is my theme song lately. :) I really believe that the Lord can speak to our hearts a little bit easier when they are broken. Isn't that what he's looking for from us anyway? Broken hearts and contrite spirits. So really, I should be thanking those who broke my heart and helped me get to this point. It's all part of the plan.

This is a quote from Elder Uchtdorf's talk:

"Hope is a gift of the Spirit. It is a hope that through the Atonement of Jesus Christ and the power of His Resurrection, we shall be raised unto life eternal and this because of our faith in the Savior. This kind of hope is both a principle of promise as well as a commandment, and, as with all commandments, we have the responsibility to make it an active part of our lives and overcome the temptation to lose hope. Hope in our Heavenly Father’s merciful plan of happiness leads to peace, mercy, rejoicing, and gladness. The hope of salvation is like a protective helmet; it is the foundation of our faith and an anchor to our souls."

Hope is a gift, a promise and a commandment. I have felt a huge difference in my life from the moments I've allowed myself to lose hope and the other moments when I embrace it. I feel happy and light when I can step back and trust. I just say to myself "You know, there is absolutely nothing you can do about this except put on a smile, trust that Heavenly Father knows what He's doing and hope for a happier tomorrow than yesterday."

I hope we all can have happy tomorrows.

Actually let's have happy todays, shall we?