A Random Thought of the Day.

I was just thinking of something very random. Actually, I have thought about it quite a bit lately. I have time to think about alot of random stuff lately (and even write it down). Isn't it true in life that the more one has the more one seems to want. I know that this is not always the case, and I do know people that do not think this way at all. In fact, I look up to those people. However, I know that I have been guilty of wanting more and more. Now wanting things can be a good thing. We all have our 'righteous desires'. It can be a great thing to want to progress in life. However, our thinking in life may go something like this...

Childhood days - Life would be better if I was grown up and doing my own thing.

After High School - Life would be better if I move away from home.

Move away from home and work or go to school - Life would be better if I was dating someone.

Dating someone - Life would be better if I was married.

Married - Life would be better if a little one came along.

Baby comes along - Oh, life would be better if we bought a house.

Buy a house - Yah, life would be better if another baby came along.

Family increases in size/life continues - Life would be better if I had another car or was friends with this person, or had a bigger house or new furtniture or if another little one came along, or if this happened or that happened or if I had this or that or went here or there...

Now, like I said before, I think life is about progressing and I guess it is good to want some things. However, I think it is more about how we progress in developing our characters, talents and Christlike qualities. I am not saying that the wants I mentioned before are not good ones but do you think we would be happier if we thought about life a little differently, in this way perhaps...

Childhood days - Life would be better if I could share the fun and experiences I am having at this time with someone else and make a friend. Maybe even make a friend with someone who really needs one right now.

After High School - Life would be better if I could do something with my life, even develop my own talents, that could positively influence the lives of others. I want to make a difference in the lives of others and the world.

Work or go to school - Life would be better if I become friends with and maybe date those I can strengthen and encourage and who will strengthen and encourage me. I can be friends with, be an example too and serve my parents, siblings, co-workers, fellow students, clients and friends.

Get married - Life would be better if my spouse and I sincerely served each other and those around us with a humble and charitable attitute. How can I be a better wife or husband, daughter in law or son in law, sister in law or brother in law, aunt or uncle and most of all, friend?

Baby comes along  - Life would be better if I showed my daughter or son as well as others how important it is to be a devoted and caring wife or husband, aunt or uncle, sister or brother, Mother or Father, in-law, and most of all, friend!

Continue on with life - life would be better if I continued on achieving my goals, most importantly of which are not of obtaining worldy possessions but of serving those around me and obtaining Christlike qualities when doing so.

I have friends, family and aquaintances in all stages of life. Some are younger, others are a little older, some are going to school, others are working, some are married, some are dating, others are not, some have children, some do not, others have grandchildren, some own houses, others are renting, some have travelled the world, others have stayed close to home base, some have money to spend on lots of things, others do not have much at all. I could go on and on.

I love to learn from all these people. We all have something to offer others in life and I know that it is all through service and example. I know it is hard not to want more and more (and I get caught in the more and more cycle - I think I am writing this for me), but haven't we been taught to "find joy in the journey." It is important to find happiness through every phase and experience in life without wanting to move on and have more. If we are to want more and more, let it be more charity, diligence, humility, meekness, patience, sincerity, kindness, perspective, forgiveness, long-suffering, and opportunities to serve others.  Heavenly Father knows exactly what each of us needs, individually, in this life to develop each of these Christlike qualities. He also knows how to connect the different phases and experiences of life together so that we can all fulfill our unique potentials in life.

Well, that was my random thought of the day. I feel like I just wrote a talk for church. But, it is something I can think about and put into action. By doing so, I know I will have more of the eternal type of joy and happiness in this life and beyond. There is nothing better than that!