Pursuit of Excellence

OK, I've read "Welcome to Conference," "Let Him Do It with Simplicity," "Come What May, and Love It," "The Way," "Hope Ya Know, We Had a Hard Time," and "Finding Joy in the Journey." If it seems like I've been drawn to talks that talk about comfort and peace during times of trial, it's because I have been! Definitely a pattern here -- and if this theme was repeated so often this last conference, it appears I'm not the only one needing to hear these words.

I taught my lesson yesterday on "Finding Joy in the Journey," by President Thomas S. Monson. I thought it was the perfect lesson to draw our attention towards gratitude as we approach the Thanksgiving season.

"This is our one and only chance at mortal life—here and now. I believe that among the greatest lessons we are to learn in this short sojourn upon the earth are lessons that help us distinguish between what is important and what is not. I plead with you not to let those most important things pass you by. Instead, find joy in the journey—now."

“Both abundance and lack [of abundance] exist simultaneously in our lives, as parallel realities. It is always our conscious choice which secret garden we will tend . . . when we choose not to focus on what is missing from our lives but are grateful for the abundance that’s present—love, health, family, friends, work, the joys of nature, and personal pursuits that bring us [happiness]—the wasteland of illusion falls away and we experience heaven on earth."

The key to finding joy in the journey is to be grateful -- “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God.” Not just the easy things, or the happy things, or the pleasant things. In every thing give thanks.

I especially appreciated the words of the prophet at the end of the talk, where he focused our gratitude on our savior. Amber had pointed out that sometimes, when something becomes too familiar, we stop seeing the beauty in it. I think that is true of me and my relationship with Christ, sometimes. But, Pres. Monson simply and beautifully refocused my attention on just why I love Jesus Christ.

"In closing, I pray that all of us will reflect gratitude for our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. His glorious gospel provides answers to life’s greatest questions: Where did we come from? Why are we here? Where does my spirit go when I die?

"He taught us how to pray. He taught us how to serve. He taught us how to live. His life is a legacy of love. The sick He healed; the downtrodden He lifted; the sinner He saved.

"The time came when He stood alone. Some Apostles doubted; one betrayed Him. The Roman soldiers pierced His side. The angry mob took His life. There yet rings from Golgotha’s hill His compassionate words, “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.”¹¹

"Earlier, perhaps perceiving the culmination of His earthly mission, He spoke the lament, “Foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head.”¹² “No room in the inn”¹³ was not a singular expression of rejection—just the first. Yet He invites you and me to receive Him. “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.”¹⁴

"Who was this Man of sorrows, acquainted with grief? Who is the King of glory, this Lord of hosts? He is our Master. He is our Savior. He is the Son of God. He is the Author of our Salvation. He beckons, “Follow me.”¹⁵ He instructs, “Go, and do thou likewise.”¹⁶ He pleads, “Keep my commandments.”¹⁷

"Let us follow Him. Let us emulate His example. Let us obey His word. By so doing, we give to Him the divine gift of gratitude."