Life Is Beautiful

This morning, as I ran out the door, I was greeted with the sharp bites of cold attacking every ounce of me in the 9-degree weather. Walking quickly seemed to make things worse as the bitter breeze sped up as well, mocking me in my valiant effort to get warm. I was cold. While walking was juggling thoughts of the day's demands and recounting a challenging experience I had just experienced the day before.

Sulking in pathetic misery I didn't even notice the beautiful sunrise chisel the silhouette of the majestic Rocky Mountains before me. I did not pay attention to the warm smiles of people passing me. In short, within this vacuum of self pity, I shunned any positive perspective of life.

Yet, the day got warmer and I cleared my hurdles one by one. I went to class and performed very well on the assignments issued. I enjoyed a productive meeting with my study group and attended an inspiring lecture. I eventually felt good about everything. In retrospect, I was blessed to appreciate the beauties and blessings of the day juxtaposed to my earlier trials.

Though this is somewhat trite I think it illustrates a major principle in our lives. We forget reality way too often. True, life brings us bitter cold valleys but only on the path to bluffs of ecstasy. I believe in the words of the Savior as he said, “For after much tribulation come the blessings” (D&C 58:2–4).

The momentary inconveniences of life only heighten our conveniences, the pains develop the joys, the fears buttress the faith, the losses make the gains vibrant. Indeed, life is beautiful in every situation when viewed through the lenses of reality.

Mormon: What do I believe

I distinctly remember an experience I had in my sophomore year of high school. At the end of math class, on the last day before Christmas Break, a friend and I were discussing our plans for the upcoming respite. I inquired of her Christmas traditions, I think. Then she said something like, "What are you doing for Christmas? Oh wait, you're Mormon, you don't celebrate Christmas." Dumbfounded, I asked her for her foundation for that misunderstanding. She then assured me that I didn't believe in Christ or in Christmas.

After ingesting the comment, I did what anyone would do after hearing a ludicrous statement: I laughed. I then attempted to explain to her my belief and devotion to Jesus Christ. I'd like to begin this blog with a similar end in mind, to express my beliefs and knowledge of the Savior.

While a missionary in the New England area for two years, I spent every waking moment trying to teach others of the love and blessings that Christ can bring. I watched the miraculous metamorphosis of dozens who embraced that which I have come to know as truth. I believe everyone on this earth is a child of a loving Heavenly Father; further, I believe that Christ, through his perfect life and selfless suffering, the Atonement, we can get rid of guilt and shame, have peace in this life, and live in eternal happiness with our families after this life. Think about that. When attempting to comprehend these blessings, I am overcome. He loves us infinitely as depicted by this picture.

With Christ, we can say with a sound mind, "Come rain, come death, come pain. Add prolonged blessings, add loss, add poverty." Yes, I am a Mormon, and I know that Christ is my Savior and yours. Jesus Christ himself named this organization with His name: "For thus shall my church be called in the last days, even The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints" (D&C 115:4).

I hope this blog will be mutually beneficial for those who read and respond and for me.