We can feel God’s presence if we pause to ponder and notice the beauty in our lives.
“Do you take time to discover each day how beautiful your life can be?”
Photo by Mario Dobelmann
Elder Richard G. Scott asked this question in his 1996 general conference address “Finding Joy in Life.” His talk makes me wonder, When was the last time I slowed down enough to appreciate the joy and beauty of being alive and to hear God’s voice?
I am learning that, in the midst of a busy day, I can take a deep breath and spend a moment feeling grateful to be alive. When I do pause, I notice the orange leaves on my path and the low-hanging clouds in the sky. I notice the glow of the sun reflected on the canyon. I notice that I am safe and healthy and loved and that my life is full of goodness and opportunity. If I pause and ponder, I can even notice God’s presence and let his peace fill my heart. I can connect with heaven.
Elder Scott says, “Your joy in life depends upon your trust in Heavenly Father and His holy Son, your conviction that their plan of happiness truly can bring you joy. Pondering their doctrine will let you enjoy the beauties of this earth and enrich your relationships with others.”
Life can be fast-paced and stressful, so it’s good to slow our pace now and then to take time to meditate, ponder, and notice all that we feel and think. We don’t always need to do less—we just need to be present and take time to connect with God.
Read “Finding Joy in Life” by Richard G. Scott to learn more about how being aware of the goodness in our lives helps us feel the Spirit and feel God’s love.
Source: General Conference
—Emma Freestone, Latter-day Saint Insights
FEATURE IMAGE BY ANDREW NEEL
Find more insights
Read “The Power of Quiet Moments” by Marissa Widdison to learn more about how to create quiet moments in your life.
Read “Faithful Meditation” by the Latter-day Saints Channel to learn about the spiritual benefits of meditation.
Read “Of Things That Matter Most” by Dieter F. Uchtdorf to learn about how slowing down can help us get through difficult times.