DESIRES

 

“A knowledge of the plan of happiness can help you through the difficult times and you can face problems you otherwise could not endure.

“For example: Some years ago a president of a student stake asked if I would counsel with a young couple. The stalwart young man and his lovely wise had recently been told, with some finality, that they would never have children of their own. They were heartbroken as they sobbed out their disappointment. What they wanted most in life….they now were to be denied.

“I consoled them as best as I could and offered comfort that really was insufficient. As they were leaving the office, I called them back and said: “You are a very fortunate and very blessed couple.” They were startled and asked why I would say such a thing as that.

“I answered: “Because you want them. In the eternal scheme of things that will be of inestimable and eternal value.”  The Lord has said that He “will judge all men according to their works, according to the desires of their hearts (D&C 137:9). Many people now do not want children or want few of them or consider them a burden rather than a blessing. They were a very blessed young couple.

“When you understand the plan, you can cope with challenges in life which otherwise would be unbearable.”  (President Boyd K. Packer, The Play and the Plan, CES fireside 7 May 1995 in Kirkland, Washington)

This life is a life where we find out what it is that we really want. How we live the Gospel is a good indication of what that is. Imagine if all our desires were fulfilled in this life. How many of us would abandon our journey to a glorious eternity?

“Abraham’s desires led him to God, to the gospel of Jesus Christ, to the priesthood, to the covenants of salvation, and to a life in which the Lord promised to lift Abraham from a mortal, fallen world. He was promised the happiness of being an eternal parent responsible for worlds and countless children.

“The “covenantal lifting” of Abraham came as he was willing to sacrifice the things of this world, showing to the Lord that he wanted to be like God more than he desired the treasures of the world or life itself.” (Jerry A. Wilson, The Great Plan of Happiness, p 61)

Abraham has now ‘entered into his exaltation and sits upon his throne’ (D&C 132:29). First the probation, then the desires of our hearts……

- CATHRYNE ALLEN 

(Art: Hope Deferred by Chris Brazelton)