This morning, as I was working in the yard, I thought about the nature of life, and how much work is involved in being alive. At the time, I felt somewhat bitter, complaining that life isn't very enjoyable and that enjoyment doesn't seem to factor in at all in the purpose of life. We're here to experience affliction and grow character, whether we enjoy it or not. In fact, many things that people enjoy doing have been declared as sinful. I suppose life being unenjoyable would be part of a long-term plan - suffer now, find joy later. That is, if it was true at all.
I think God does mean for us to enjoy life, just not by doing all the things the world considers fun. One of my better attributes is that, when I'm not feeling bitter, I can find the fun in just about anything. Finding joy doesn't mean only doing things that are inherently enjoyable; it means finding enjoyment in doing seemingly unenjoyable things. Life is full of such things, such as working for a living at a job one doesn't particularly like, but the teachings of the gospel encourage us to look for the good and to learn how to dance in the proverbial rain.
Life isn't much fun. It wasn't designed to be. It was designed to be hard, and doing hard things is rarely fun. But it can be enjoyable. If we try to keep an eternal perspective, an optimistic attitude, and an eye out for the enjoyable parts of whatever we're doing, we can find them. Life is hard sometimes, but it can be enjoyable.
1 comment:
2 Nephi 2:25 "... men are, that they might have joy." of course, that is probably MAINLY the long term plan.
President Hinckley was an advocate of joy in this life as well.
"The gospel is a thing of joy. It provides us with a reason for gladness. Of course there are times of sorrow. Of course there are hours of concern and anxiety. We all worry. But the Lord has told us to lift our hearts and rejoice. I see so many people...who seem never to see the sunshine, but who constantly walk with storms under cloudy skies. Cultivate an attitude of happiness. Cultivate a spirit of optimism. Walk with faith, rejoicing in the beauties of nature, in the goodness of those you love, in the testimony which you carry in your heart concerning things divine."
"Don't be gloomy. Even if you are not happy, put a smile on your face. [Life is about] joy,... something to be happy and excited about."
“In all of living, have much fun and laughter. Life is to be enjoyed, not just endured.”
“Stop seeking out the storms and enjoy more fully the sunlight.”
“Go forward in life with a twinkle in your eye and a smile on your face, but with great purpose in heart.”
“Be believing, be happy, don't get discouraged. Things will work out.”
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