Happily Ever After...

Whether you're religious or not, I think everyone can appreciate this topic and this talk...

I was reading a talk by Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf today (Your Happily Ever After) about trials and pushing through/enduring adversity.  He talked about how to achieve your real and genuine "happily ever after..."  He was spot on.  Here are a few quotes I feel in love with, followed by my thoughts on the subject.  Please let me know what you think too...

"Isn’t it remarkable to know that our eternal Heavenly Father knows you, hears you, watches over you, and loves you with an infinite love? In fact, His love for you is so great that He has granted you this earthly life as a precious gift of “once upon a time," complete with your own true story of adventure, trial, and opportunities for greatness, nobility, courage, and love."

"In each of these stories... [The main characters] experience sadness and trial before they can reach their “happily ever after.” Think about it. Has there ever been a person who did not have to go through his or her own dark valley of temptation, trial, and sorrow?"

"In stories, as in life, adversity teaches us things we cannot learn otherwise. Adversity helps to develop a depth of character that comes in no other way. Our loving Heavenly Father has set us in a world filled with challenges and trials so that we, through opposition, can learn wisdom, become stronger, and experience joy."

"It is your reaction to adversity, not the adversity itself, that determines how your life’s story will develop."

I LOVE this quote!  I think it's my favorite from the entire talk... It truly is our reaction to things in life that matter most.  We can not control everything around us, but we can control how we react to it and how we endure.  Do we endure with strength and perseverance or do we complain and muddle through?  Both allow us to eventually meet the end of circumstances and trails, but one attitude leaves us ultimately happier and more prepared to live "happily ever after," because we are already happy! 

I'm not trying to appear judgmental.  I'm not always happy about my trials, no matter how big or small - believe me.  Truthfully, it's not easy.  We can't be jolly all the time when there's adversity in front of us.  I truly believe that it is okay to NOT be okay in life sometimes.  However, we mustn't let that become who we are - victims and slaves to the unhappiness.  We mustn't let the negative outweigh the positive and bring us down emotionally, physically, spiritually.... We mustn't give in to being unhappy people because it's just too hard to press on.  Those are the moments when we will learn that it really IS too hard... if we do not lean on our Savior.

Lean on the one who knows everything that you're feeling and knows how to succor you in your trial.  Lean on the one who knows you better than you know yourself, and loves you even more so.  Lean on the one who would give up His time and energy to listen to you, and would give up His life to free you from these burdens.  He'll take them away.  It may take time, but He will indeed take away your pains and afflictions... That's what He died for, after all. 

Here is a link to the full talk: http://www.lds.org/ensign/2010/05/your-happily-ever-after 

Take the time to read it through (boy or girl alike) and think about it a bit... I know that Heavenly Father lives and He loves each of us.  I know that I have a Savior who lived and died for me, and lives again.  I know that with His help, I can overcome ALL things - all sins, trials, insecurities, depressions, confusion, and pains.  I know my Savior loves me.

"We all search for happiness, and we all try to find our own “happily ever after.” The truth is, God knows how to get there!  “Happily ever after” is not something found only in fairy tales. You can have it! It is available for you! But you must follow your Heavenly Father’s map."

Remember, to rest of your fairytale is still unwritten, and you have the power to write it with a happy ending.

*muah*

Song of the Day: This song is not exactly the sentiment I'm going for - haha!  However, it's hilarious and fun... and you can think about what HER attitude is on this "Happily Ever After" subject... Here's Carol Burnett's version of "Happily Ever After" from Once Upon a Mattress. Enjoy!