Lehi was referenced a couple times in my ward today:
“For it must needs be, that there is an opposition in all things.” (2 Nephi 2:11)
I pondered (my HWN today) this as a ward member shared her testimony of happiness from righteous living. I wondered, “Does this mean she would have to experience sorrow to the same extent that she experiences happiness? Is it impossible to appreciate joy to any degree that we don’t also experience sorrow?” A couple other scriptures came to mind:
Lehi also taught that…
“…if Adam had not transgressed he would not have fallen… wherefore they would have remained in a state of innocence, having no joy, for they knew no misery…” (2 Nephi 2:22-23)
Alma described to his son Helaman that..
“…there could be nothing so exquisite and so bitter as were my pains. Yea, and again I say unto you, my son, that on the other hand, there can be nothing so exquisite and sweet as was my joy.” (Alma 36:21)
I’m still not sure if joy and sorrow must be experienced to the same degree… maybe I’ll know that some day. But I do know that my misery, pain, and sorrow, make it possible for me better recognize happiness — they help me find joy in little things I might otherwise overlook :)
p.s. Jenny’s birthday celebrations continued today :) First, with dinner at Vickie’s house, and dress up with her 6-year-old twin granddaughters…
Then cards at Emily’s apartment :)
p.p.s. Not quite as amazing as Moses’s burning bush, but I saw a cool frozen bush on my Sunday morning walk :)
“I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly” – John 10:10
Great post. Thank you.
You’re welcome! And thanks for coming to my site Sue, and for checking out several posts and commenting :)