Everyday Joy

We often do our work with drudgery and we curse the very thing that we signed up to do whether it's our work, responsibilities in the family or community, or even keeping the commandments. When we get to that point, we literally drive ourselves insane!! That is why so many people have to take vacations to far away places, just to get away from the stresses of life. I often ask my self, "What is happening to all of humanity?!"  After listening to the talk by President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "Of the Things That Matter Most," I found that answer!

We often get ourselves so worked up in our daily schedule that we miss the most important things! A father may get so busy with his work that he often misses his young child smiling at him or he misses a small voice saying "I love you Daddy." as he runs out the door because he is late. We miss so much in life because we believe that we have to go faster to get past the hardships in life...that is where we are so wrong. We need to slow down a notch and look at ourselves. Are we happy? What is most important to us? There are many things in life that are missed because we rush by them.
There are so many things that we take for granted. Slowing down and thanking God for our blessings is one of the best things we can do when we feel too overwhelmed. Have you ever said a prayer that was complete thanks? I challenge everyone who ever reads this to do that. Find yourselves a quiet place that's comfortable and you can be alone. My suggestion also would be to have a cushion under your knees because you will be there longer than you think! The feeling of sincere gratitude can erase all doubt that there is a God. He has given us everything and He knows we can triumph any trials that may come into our lives. He has given us trials that we can overcome and that makes us stronger every time that we do so.
When was the last time that you laughed? I try to laugh everyday! That is the only way that i can possibly keep a good attitude. 'Come what may and love it!' as Elder Wirthlin once said. Laughter is one of the best cures for our sorrow. There is much to laugh about even though we may feel like there isn't anything funny. Haha one occasion: We were walking all over Niagara Falls (due to an instant that has left us car-less) in the middle of a huge blizzard. Now what could possibly be funny about walking in a blizzard? I don't know, but as we were walking across an intersection,  a lady in her car honked at us. We get that a lot so we didn't pay too much attention. That lady then rolled down her window and shouted, "I'm a Mormon!!" We cheered and smiled and i could tell that she realized how that must've looked because she quickly rolled up her window.
There is humor in everyday life and we just need to find it and enjoy it! There are important things that we have to slow down to catch.  If you do so, you will be blessed more than you know and life will mean more!