Stars can't shine without darkness

           For the past couple months I’ve been learning a lot about opposition & how this life of ours is invaluable. During life we experience so many different things. Whether it’s happy, sad, funny, difficult, lonely, eventful, amazing, deep, bitter, etc...It’s what makes up each moment of our lives and when put all together = reality. Sometimes it's hard to pass through the rough points when things aren't going as planned and when we are doing our best. But how grateful I am for the knowledge and experience of what opposition is.

 In order to develop certain qualities it's vital for our growth as children of God. I think of the Savior and how he had to experience everything in order to know how to truly understand how to help us. In the Book of Mormon, Alma 7: 11-12 reads “And he shall go forth suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people. And he will take upon him death, the he may loose the bands of death which bind his people; and he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities.”  I love those scriptures because it shows us that even Christ, who led a perfect life, had to experience it. None of us are exempt from life’s challenges. But it’s up to us whether or not we will learn and grow from them.
             So how can we do this? Having an attitude of gratitude towards life and enjoying each stage no matter the circumstances will help us move forward with confidence, purpose & fulfillment. It's ok that we aren't perfect and we need to stop punishing ourselves because of it! Isn't that why we are here!? :) By more so utilizing the atonement and the tools God has given us to be successful, we can bring this sense of fulfillment and joy to our lives. Righteous decisions will always lead to positive results. Bad decisions will always lead to negative results. There are things that are out of our control, but when we are personally making good choices we can confidently move forward with hope and purpose. Like Gordon B. Hinckley once said, “Try a little harder to be a little better.” Be patient with yourselves and set goals each day that will help you progress.
             Everything has value. At the end of the day a hundred dollar bill will still have the same value even if it's worn, and crinkled. Same goes for us. We all hold the same value no matter the things we experience or go through.  God loves us infinitely and is not giving up on us. In D&C 98:3 it states, "and all things wherewith you have been afflicted shall work together for your good..." I truly believe that as well.           

 The fact that we can feel deeply and make others feel is proof that nothing is void. That we can be moved by a song, laugh until we are crying, or feel sad after saying goodbye to someone. That a scent of a home can bring back so many memories, that dancing and singing can bring a surge of powerful energy. That we can find peace and solitude in nature, or that driving through a canyon with the windows down, can make us feel free. That crying because we've lost someone close, or have a broken heart, can help us realize what it feels like to be whole. That we can fall in love & be vulnerable to allow ourselves to feel it.
             This is life. And it's all for us. The happy & sad. Good & bad. Everything. It all makes it extraordinary & worth it. Because even "stars can't shine without darkness". And when we have experience in all things...we will want to shine, because we know that is what makes us happy.