Gaining Perspective

I feel like every few weeks I am taught some by lesson, like my life plays out in such a way that I am naturally focuses on a very specific topic for awhile....and then I naturally move on to something else I really need to learn/focus on at the time. I don't know of that makes any sense, it may not since I worked all night and got approximately 2 1/2 hours of sleep last night:).  But regardless, lately my "topic of focus" has been gaining perspective.  I have been studying a lot about the major component of having good perspective: FAITH.  Why is it so easy to become discouraged and exhausted at certain times in our lives? I know why. Satan WORKS on us in any way he can, and discouragement is one of his favorite weapons. But I also know that we all have our free agency, meaning we get to CHOOSE. Wow. Think about that for a moment. What a powerful gift god has given me, and you.  I cannot express in words my gratitude for this gift. And God knew that we would all make mistakes, which is why he sent his Son Jesus Christ to Atone for each one of us. I have a strong testimony of this Atonement, and that it not only covers our sins, but also allowed Jesus to experience EXACTLY what we go through whenever we have trials, sorrows, and weaknesses. He has already paid for all of that. However it is up to us to reach out to Him, live our lives in His service, which means in the service of other people, and it is also up to us to decide to be better. We have to really want it in order to take the needed steps.

So, lately I have wanted to gain stronger faith in Him and the power of His Atonement to help me change. I have also been striving to gain stronger faith in His plan for me. Sometimes, maybe most of the time, things don't pan out exactly how we plan. But I am learning that that's ok. He has something better in mind. However, I also know that it is extremely important that we are excited about the future, optimistic, hopeful, and TRUST in Him.  I realize that people go through HARD things, much harder than I have ever experienced or can imagine experiencing. I cannot empathize with so many people in this world and even in my circle of friends.  I can say that I know The Lord loves everyone. He knows we cannot handle all that life throws us by ourself, and that is where the Atonembt comes in. I love Him so much and studying more about faith as weel as learning about the Atonement has brought me significantly closer to Him lately, giving me a beautiful, hopeful, PERSPECTIVE.

Learn more about Christ and the Atonement @ lds.org