Recent Thoughts: HOPE, mission, agency

Life is great! It's not perfect, but it's great! :) I have HOPE! :) I have hope in my Savior, Jesus Christ. It seems like I have heard a lot on this topic lately and it seems so appropriate (in the midst of job-searching and seeking for life direction). :)

For a long time I have loved the scripture in 2 Nephi 31:20, "Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life."

Recently I have been reminded of Ether 12:4, "Wherefore, whoso believeth in God might with surety hope for a better world, yea, even a place at the right hand of God, which hope cometh of faith, maketh an anchor to the souls of men, which would make them sure and steadfast, always abounding in good works, being led to glorify God."

Elder Maxwell gave a wonderful talk in 1994 entitled Brightness of Hope that was recently referenced in a devotional I attended. Elder Maxwell says, "Those who look forward to a next and better world are usually 'anxiously engaged' in improving this one, for they always 'abound in good works.' Real hope is much more than wishful musing. If stiffens, not slackens, the spiritual spine. It is composed, not giddy, eager without being naive, and pleasantly steady without being smug. Hope is realistic anticipation taking the form of determination--a determination not merely to survive but to 'endure well' to the end."

As a part of the same devotional, the speaker referred to the Optimist's Creed. There is value in many of these ideas. Living as an optimist you promise yourself to:

• be so strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind.
• take health, happiness, and prosperity to every person you meet.
• make all your friends feel there is something worthwhile in them.
• look at the sunny side of everything and make your optimism come true.
• think only the best, work only for the best, and expect only the best.
• be just as enthusiastic about the success of others as you are about your own.
• wear a cheerful expression at all times and give a smile to every living creature you meet.
• give so much time to improving yourself that you have no time to criticize others.
• live in the faith that the whole world is on your side, as long as you are true to the best that is in you.

There is so much hope in the knowledge of a living, loving, forgiving Savior and an eternal plan created by our Heavenly Father. I love President Uchtdorf's beautiful testimony of the "Infinite Power of Hope."

My testimony has been strengthened of how important and central the principles of faith, hope, and charity are to every part of life. :)

Somewhat related and somewhat unrelated, I have also recently thought of and been reminded of a few truths other truths that bring hope:

• We are all stewards over our earthly blessings and we must work to serve the Lord's purposes with our resources and talents.
• We must be grateful for the life and mission He has given us to accomplish. As Alma, I "glory in what the Lord has commanded me (see Alma 29:9)."
• Agency is a wonderful gift. We must use it! Pray for guidance and ACT!