There must needs be an opposition in all things...

Life is rather interesting. There are so many things that are good that are happening alongside so many things that are not so good. The question is how best to react. It is easy to focus on the bad things and become depressed. At the same time, there are many good things to be happy about and focus on. It is a schizophrenic world. I have been thinking on this for awhile now (and I imagine that the way life goes I will continue thinking on it) and it has called to my mind a scripture in the Book of Mormon. The Nephites have just reunited with their brothers who have been gone for many years and have just heard all that has happened during their separation. They seem to feel what I am trying to express.

"…For they knew not what to think; for when they beheld those that had been delivered out of bondage they were filled with exceedingly great joy. And again, when they thought of their brethren who had been slain by the Lamanites they were filled with sorrow, and even shed many tears of sorrow. And again, when they thought of the immediate goodness of God, and his power in delivering Alma and his brethren out of the hands of the Lamanites and of bondage, they did raise their voices and give thanks to God. And again, when they thought upon the Lamanites, who were their brethren, of their sinful and polluted state, they were filled with pain and anguish for the welfare of their souls.” Mosiah 25:8-11

I do not comprehend all that is to be learned but I do think I have recognized something. To be grateful for all that is good and to sorrow for all that is truly worth sorrowing for is not so easy. To have hearts willing to go through those ups and downs as they did is a great gift. I believe that a key to their success is that they knew who to give thanks to and what was truly important.

Truly, life is interesting.