Life Is Bright

Today, I wanted to share a story, that we have all heard about, but continues to inspire and remind us of the importance of positive thinking, even in the face of adversity.

When Alex, who was diagnosed with childhood cancer just before her first birthday, was four, she told her parents she wanted to set up a front-yard lemonade stand. Her plan: to give the money to doctors to help them find a cure. Her first “Alex’s Lemonade Stand”, held with the help of her older brother Patrick, raised an astonishing $2,000 in one day. While bravely fighting her own cancer, Alex continued to set up lemonade stands every year. As news spread of the remarkable girl so dedicated to helping other sick children, people everywhere were inspired to start their own lemonade stands—donating the proceeds to her cause.
In 2004 when Alex passed away at the age of eight—her stand and inspiration had raised more than $1 million towards finding a cure for the disease that took her life. 

I read another great piece today that helps to form in our mind the importance of 'looking on the bright side.'

We convince ourselves that life will be better after we get married, have a baby, then another. Then we are frustrated that the kids aren’t old enough and we’ll be more content when they are. After that, we’re frustrated that we have teenagers to deal with. We will certainly be happy when they are out of that stage. We tell ourselves that our life will be complete when our spouse gets his or her act together, when we get a nicer car, when we are able to go on a nice vacation or when we retire. The truth is there’s no better time to be happy than right now. If not now, when? Your life will always be filled with challenges.
It’s best to admit this to yourself and decide to be happy anyway. Happiness is the way. So, treasure every moment that you have and treasure it more because you shared it with someone special, special enough to spend your time with…and remember that time waits for no one.
So, stop waiting… Until your car or home is paid off.
Until you get a new car or home.
Until your kids leave the house.
Until you go back to school.
Until you finish school.
Until you lose 10 lbs.
Until you gain 10 lbs.
Until you get married.
Until you have kids.
Until you retire.
Until summer.
Until spring.
Until winter.
Until fall.
Until you die.
There is no better time than right now to be happy. Happiness is a journey, not a destination. (Author Unknown)

Becky and I prayed together last evening and I couldn't help but think about our niece, Briana.  She is just a few days from leaving the Missionary Training Center in Provo, Utah to go to her assignment in Indiana, as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.  I hope that her time spent in the MTC has been worthwhile to her and effective for her personally.  I thought about my nine weeks spent in the exact center where she is.  I loved every minute there.  It was a highlight of my missionary experience.  I hope that even during discouraging times, she has made the most of her time, knowing that the time, there, would end and then it would be 'game time' with all that she has learned.  I love you Briana!

We are all part of this great journey, called life.  It is up to me and you to make the most out of the situation we are in.  Work hard and the rewards, in the end, will all be worth it!