Adversity & Choices

Two Roads Diverged in a wood, and I—
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.

Robert Frost, The Road Not Taken


I've been thinking a lot about choices the last few weeks. Some trials and hardships are brought on by our own choices and other trials come without warning and are out of our control. Regardless of how they come, we have a choice in how we handle and get through them. I love the following quote from Harry Potter.

"It is our choices that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities."
~Albus Dumbledore~

I would also add that our attitudes and thoughts reflect who we are as well. Negative attitudes and thoughts can lead to negative choices which lead to negative consequences. We have power over our thoughts which lead to our ultimate destiny. There is always a way out of the darkness if we choose to return to the light. We can learn from the past, make the best of today, and prepare for the future. There will always be times of trial and hardship but we can either learn from these experiences and they can make us "BETTER" or we can wallow in our trials and become "BITTER".

We have all heard the saying that "God helps those that help themselves." And this is very true...as we are willing to submit to all things in humility, the Savior will help us carry our burdens that they may become light. As we pray for help and then go about doing all we can, the Lord can refine us and make us something stronger and better. We can discover new gifts and talents and help others who are going through the same trials. We can develop empathy and love for those around us and develop a stronger relationship and trust in the Lord.