Elder Dallin H. Oaks of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles said: “Our efforts to improve our observance of the Sabbath day pose a less stressful example of opposition. We have the Lord’s commandment to honor the Sabbath. Some of our choices may violate that commandment, but other choices in how to spend time on the Sabbath are simply a question of whether we will do what is merely good or what is better or best.” 1.”Good, Better, Best”
An ongoing lesson in my life has me looking at daily situations as opportunities to refine my approach to ‘smooth sailing of my life’s ship’, hone each opportunity masked as undesirable irritations or more. A friend recently spoke of going on a family sailing event at a nearby lake (newly purchased sailboat; fledgling sailor himself). Thoroughly taught from another’s experience (through conversation), he and his family quickly learned how ugly a carefree approach can become AND how quickly ‘the school of hard knocks’ increases awareness of dangerous situations. The four of them were in serious danger when winds became strong, then turned into a storm. The boat laid over on it’s side and would have capsized twice had it’s design not been so novice friendly. It took huge physical effort to return safely to shore and all agreed that putting one’s life on the line was not the best way to learn sailing!
The Lord has the easier way to learn. When I pay attention to His hand in my life and how to move forward at times of difficulty, when I become totally vulnerable to his suggestions, all works to my greater understanding and His greater purposes for me. Should I choose not to seek (or listen to) Him, I become damned (totally stopped) to his agenda and purposes for me and mine. Fortunately he is there to pick up the pieces, but may delay doing so as that delay increases the process of really listening and responding to His guidance on that upward path. At times he may even, for no apparent reason, choose to quietly withdraw that feeling of closeness to teach me greater faith and patience in Him. kdm
In a talk titled titled “Opposition in All Things” (2.) Elder Dallin H. Oaks said; “We are all acquainted with other kinds of mortal opposition not caused by our personal sins, including illness, disability, and death. He quoted President Thomas S. Monson: “Some of you may at times have cried out in your suffering, wondering why our Heavenly Father would allow you to go through whatever trials you are facing. “Our mortal life, however, was never meant to be easy or consistently pleasant. Our Heavenly Father … knows that we learn and grow and become refined through hard challenges, heartbreaking sorrows, and difficult choices. Each one of us experiences dark days when our loved ones pass away, painful times when our health is lost, feelings of being forsaken when those we love seem to have abandoned us. These and other trials present us with the real test of our ability to endure.”(see President Thomas S. Monson 3. “Joy of the Journey”)
References: 1. ‘Good, Better, Best’ … (https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2007/10/good-better-best?lang=eng ) 2.’Opposition in All Things’ … https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2016/04/opposition-in-all-things?lang=eng 3. ‘Joy of the Journey’ (http://womensconference.ce.byu.edu/sites/womensconference.ce.byu.edu/files/presidentmonson2008.pdf?lang=eng )
