Finding Joy in the Journey

One of my favorite talks from October's General Conference was by our prophet, Thomas S. Monson. I felt so moved by the spirit while I listened to his words. Recently I have read this talk in the Ensign and was once again inspired to appreciate the life that I have now. Don't get me wrong...I am very happy with the stage of life that I am in and all the blessings that fill my life. However, sometimes I get caught up in the "I'll be happier when.." frame of mind. I think we all do. Anyway, this talk was a wonderful reminder that there will always be another wish for tomorrow and to be happy with today. Here is a quote from his talk titled "Finding Joy in the Journey":

"I plead with you not to let those most important things pass you by as you plan for that illusive and nonexistent future when you will have time to do all that you want to do. Instead, find joy in the journey—now....

If you have children who are grown and gone, in all likelihood you have occasionally felt pangs of loss and the recognition that you didn’t appreciate that time of life as much as you should have. Of course, there is no going back, but only forward. Rather than dwelling on the past, we should make the most of today, of the here and now, doing all we can to provide pleasant memories for the future.

If you are still in the process of raising children, be aware that the tiny fingerprints that show up on almost every newly cleaned surface, the toys scattered about the house, the piles and piles of laundry to be tackled will disappear all too soon and that you will—to your surprise—miss them profoundly.

Stresses in our lives come regardless of our circumstances. We must deal with them the best we can. But we should not let them get in the way of what is most important—and what is most important almost always involves the people around us. Often we assume that they must know how much we love them. But we should never assume; we should let them know. ... We will never regret the kind words spoken or the affection shown. Rather, our regrets will come if such things are omitted from our relationships with those who mean the most to us.

Send that note to the friend you’ve been neglecting; give your child a hug; give your parents a hug; say “I love you” more; always express your thanks. Never let a problem to be solved become more important than a person to be loved. Friends move away, children grow up, loved ones pass on. It’s so easy to take others for granted, until that day when they’re gone from our lives and we are left with feelings of “what if” and “if only.” Said author Harriet Beecher Stowe, “The bitterest tears shed over graves are for words left unsaid and deeds left undone.”

Let us relish life as we live it, find joy in the journey, and share our love with friends and family. One day each of us will run out of tomorrows."

Thomas S. Monson, “Finding Joy in the Journey,” Ensign, Nov 2008, 84–87

Here is a link to the complete talk. It deserves a look, and another...and another.