Be of Good Cheer

“Wherefore, be of good cheer, and do not fear, for I the Lord am with you, and will stand by you…” (D&C 68:6)

 With God’s help, good cheer permits us to rise above the depressing present or difficult circumstances. It is a process of positive reassurance and reinforcement. It is sunshine when clouds block the light.  (Marvin J. Ashton)

Who wouldn't be of good cheer when your boys are all working outside, and they come in to show you that they are thinking of you even as they trim the rose bushes:

Recently, I came across an article on Facebook that I totally loved.  I couldn't even pick a favorite quote from it because I loved the whole thing so much!  And the thing that I love about these positive thoughts is that they can be applied to anyone and anything, in any phase of life.  I read through it thinking of bed rest, and there are so many literal applications.  But then I can read through it thinking of someone else facing a different challenge, and it applies to them just as much.  So whoever you are, READ THIS!

http://www.marcandangel.com/2014/01/08/8-things-to-remember-when-everything-goes-wrong/

Here are a few favorites from it:

"Every time it rains, it stops raining.  Every time you get hurt, you heal.  After darkness, there is always light- you are reminded of this every morning, but still you often forget, and instead choose to believe that the night will last forever.  It won't.  Nothing lasts forever... Just because you're stuggling doesn't mean you're failing... Just because life isn't easy at the moment, doesn't mean you can't laugh.  Just because something is bothering you, doesn't mean you can't smile."

I am the first to admit that the words of encouragement I type or quote on this blog are as much for me as they are for anyone!   I don't think that I am NATURALLY a very optimistic person- it takes effort and constant reminders for me to keep my head up.  I know that there are many people going through worse things than bed rest right now, and in my life I will likely face more difficult challenges.  So I never mean to sound like I am complaining that this is the worst thing ever, or that I am professionally overcoming the biggest challenge of my life.  I am simply trying to remain positive, faithful, and hopeful!

So here's to the next 6 weeks of bed rest!... And the ensuing life adjustments that are bound to follow... :)