Sunday Lesson: Sept 6th

Today's lessons main focus was the message given by President Utchdorf in the July Ensign, All Is Well. He talks of strength the pioneers had crossing the plains. We opened by singing one of the songs that they sung many times as they made their journey to the Salt Lake Valley.  The opening song we just sang, ‘Come, Come Ye Saints’ is one of the songs that they sang many times as they made their journey to Salt Lake.

President Utchdorf says, “I am very much aware that all was not well with these Saints. They were plagued by sickness, heat, fatigue, cold, fear, hunger, pain, doubt, and even death. But despite having every reason to shout, “All is not well,” they cultivated an attitude we cannot help but admire today. They looked beyond their troubles to eternal blessings. They were grateful in their circumstances. Despite evidence to the contrary, they sang with all the conviction of their souls, “All is well!” He points out a few of their attributes and encourages us to develop the same attributes. The one we focused on for the lesson is optimism.

Optimism is - Hopeful, cheerful, confidence, buoyancy, bright, positive, and assurance. 

These are all very happy attitudes. It is not always easy to feel this way all of the time. However, it is something that we all want. How do we become optimistic?

When the pioneers sang, they teach a lesson: “But with joy wend your way.” President Utchdorf says it is one of the great ironies of our age that we are blessed with so much and yet we can be so unhappy. The wonders of prosperity and technology overwhelm us and shower us with security, entertainment, instant gratification, and convenience. And yet all around us we see so much unhappiness.  – The pioneers, who sacrificed so much, went without and hungered for even the most basic of necessities to survive. They understood that happiness doesn’t come as a result of luck or accident. It most certainly doesn’t come from having all of our wishes come true. Happiness doesn’t come from external circumstances. It comes from the inside – regardless of what is happening around us.

Heavenly Father wants us to be happy. In 2 Nephi 2:25 we read, 'Adam fell that men might be; and men are, that they might have joy'. President Monson says there are many who have struggled and yet who have remained steadfast and of good cheer as they have made the gospel of Jesus Christ the center of their lives. This attitude is what will pull us through whatever comes our way. It will not remove our troubles but rather will enable us to face our challenges and emerge victorious. We are not left to walk alone, no matter how dark our pathway. In D&C 68:6 we read, “Wherefore, be of good cheer, and do not fear, for I the Lord am with you, and will stand by you.” 

Joy and optimism are both closely linked to gratitude.  We need to be grateful for many reasons. 

#1 – Being Grateful makes you happier and healthier

Literally counting your blessings increases your emotional health. Researchers had one group of students write for 20 min each day about things they were grateful for. A second about things they were angry about, and a third about random topics like the color of their shoes. Guess which group was the happiest at the end of the experiment? The ones who wrote about things they were grateful for. Even more interesting is that those who wrote about the things they were grateful for were less likely to be sick throughout the semester.

#2 – Being Grateful Helps You See More Blessings

Live with a spirit of thanksgiving and you will have greater happiness and satisfaction in life. As Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin said, “The more often we see the things around us – even the beautiful and wonderful things – the more they become invisible to us. That is why we often take for granted the beauty of this world: the flowers, the trees, the birds, the clouds – even those we love. Because we see things so often, we see them less and less”

In May Elder Lawrence (of the seventy) and his wife came and spoke during stake conference. Sister Lawrence reminded us of the importance of keeping a journal. 

How does keeping a journal relate to optimism?  

She shared what President Eyring does when writing in his journal. President Eyring says this about writing in his journal. “Before I would write, I would ponder this question: 'Have I seen the hand of God reaching out to touch us or our children or our family today?' As I kept at it, something began to happen. As I would cast my mind over the day, I would see evidence of what God had done for one of us that I had not recognized in the busy moments of the day. As that happened, and it happened often, I realized that trying to remember had allowed God to show me what He had done. More than gratitude began to grow in my heart. Testimony grew.”

Sister Lawrence suggested that each night we should record if nothing else in our journals, “How we saw the hand of God in our day.” As you begin writing a little bit every day, you will be able to see more clearly how Heavenly Father helps you through your daily life, just as He guided the pioneers. President Kimball said, “Those who keep a personal journal are more likely to keep the Lord in remembrance in their daily lives. We will become more optimistic, joyful, hopeful, cheerful, confident, and positive when we see and acknowledge the blessings our Father in Heaven gives us. Great blessings are promised to those who are grateful. The Lord said in D&C 79.19, “He who receiveth all things with thankfulness shall be made glorious; and the things of this earth shall be added unto him, even an hundred fold, yea, more”

The Gratitude Challenge – 100 things you are thankful for. Some ideas if you need help. 

 - 10 living people you are grateful for.

 - 10 people who have died you are grateful for.

 - 10 physical abilities you are grateful for.
 - 10 material possessions you are grateful for.

 - 10 things about nature you are grateful for.

 - 10 things about today you are grateful for.

 - 10 places on earth you are grateful for.

 - 10 modern-day inventions you are grateful for.

 - 10 foods you are grateful for. 

 - 10 things about the gospel you are grateful for.

As you do this you will discover that 100 things doesn't scratch the surface of blessing from our Heavenly Father.

Our Father in Heaven loves us, he gives us new days, fresh starts, and whether it be today or tomorrow we can be happy and optimistic for our future. When we are grateful that optimistic joyful attitude comes much sooner. All is well in our lives as long as we remain steadfast and of good cheer as we make the gospel of Jesus Christ the center of our lives. This attitude is what will pull us through whatever comes our way.

President Monson’s words. Be of good cheer. The future is as bright as your faith.