Monday, September 22, 2008

Find Joy

I read the most incredible book the other day called The Brothers by Chris Stewart. It takes place in the pre-mortal existence. I read so many inspiring quotes, but there was one that completely stood out to me, and I have been focusing on that ever since. In this place in the book, our Heavenly Father is talking to three of his children and giving them advice:

"I am sending you to earth at a very treacherous time. Once you are there, you will forget everything. And the things you will deal with will seem so important to you. Your everyday problems will seem incredibly large-your work and your school, your family and friends, what to wear, how you look. Are you fat? Are you strong? Are you pretty? Are you smart? Do you make enough money? Do other people like you? Why weren't you chosen for a game or group activity? Why isn't life always fair? Worries such as these may consume you and take all your time."
"You may obsess with disappointments; you may put all your focus on the pain. It will be easy to forget that life is always good-that whether you are here or on earth, you are meant to find joy."
"So on quiet nights in the summer, when you are still and peaceful, I want you to look up at the heavens, the moon and the stars, so your spirit can remember these things I have shown you today. And if you do, you will remember, somewhere deep in your soul, that you are part of a heavenly family, a heavenly plan, something eternal and wonderful and incredibly large. You will remember that your family is up here cheering for you, that family is the only thing that matters, the only thing of any significance. And though your human language won't have words for the feelings I will place in your hearts, your spirit will remember and you will long to be with me again."

This passage has made me think of my own life and has helped me so much. I hope by sharing it, it helps one of you.

14 comments:

The Reese's said...

that's a great thought ash. makes you put life in the right perspective, we probably worry a lot more than we should about stuff.

Emilee said...

I LOVED that book, too. I'm still waiting for #3 at the library. Thanks for sharing this quote, it is thought provoking & a great reminder or what REALLY matters!

theoskilanecfamily said...

Sounds like a fantastic book I will have to get that to read! Thank you I needed that!!

Joell said...

That was so inspirational! It just helps you to look at this world with the right perspective! Sounds like a great book I'll have to check it out!

Christie said...

Hey Ashy,
Just what I needed to read this morning. I'm going to email it to Chrystal, I think it will help her. You are such a sweetheart. Hope you have a good day. Love ya Christie

The Smith Family said...

That is wonderful. Just what I needed today!!

Alee and Brandon said...

I read that book a while back! It was so good!

Zach and Kate Hulet said...

Nail on the head!

Khali said...

You have such a sweet spirit - Thanks for sharing such a meaningful thought.

The Vegas Veenendaal's said...

Hey, you... I guess I need to read these books. Especially since Dustin has all of them. Remember that you are welcome to borrow the rest of them from him. ;) I really wish I could have seen you guys at dinner the other night, we will have to find an excuse to go out again soon.

Valerie said...

Wow, I just got goose bumps. I'll have to read that for sure.

Lisa Summers & Fam said...

Thanks Ash!!! I really needed that this morning. I will have to borrow that quote!

california smiths said...

That is such a great quote. Thanks for taking the time to write it all down to share!

The Reese's said...

ash, i just checked out the first four books of this series from the library cuz my friends kept telling me how good they were 'more terrible than great but worth reading'. i've really enjoyed this first one and as i finished it tonight i read this part and remembered reading it on your blog and had to come check if i was right. i almost want to print that same quote out and put it on my bathroom mirror! have you got through any of the other books? i keep trying to read passages out of it to coby but i'm sure you know how that goes :) we'll have to talk about them next time i see you.