Mighty and Marvelous Missionary Matthew: Optimists make life better....

July 7, 2018

Family and Friends,

Another two weeks have passed by in a rush! Things here are moving along normally and we are always seeing progress in the work. One interesting aspect of the mission is that of trial and error. I have shared a lot about how we must overcome our trials, but with what attitude must we do so? Author Don Gale and L. Newell explain profoundly:

“It’s interesting how two people can approach similar circumstances with entirely different outlooks. The optimist tries to look on the bright side, believes that good days are ahead, and holds on to the hope that things will get better. The pessimist sees dark rain clouds even on sunny days and believes that the best has passed him by.

There’s no question whom we’d rather be around. As one commentator writes: “Optimists . . . make life better just by being part of it. They enjoy people, places and things. Their enthusiasm is contagious. . . . The greatest gift anyone can give another is a positive attitude, a smile and genuine interest. Some claim the only person you can change is yourself. Not true! You can and do change everyone with whom you come in contact. The question is whether you add to or subtract from the day’s experience.”

Some people seem to have more hopeful dispositions, more natural cheerfulness, and more affirmative expectations. But most of us are not always the optimist or always the pessimist. There’s probably a little bit of both in all of us. We’d like to be the optimist more often, but depending on the day, the weather, the aches and pains, the disappointments and challenges we face, that can be harder than it sounds.

Even during our difficult moments, however, we can decide to be happier, more positive today than we may have been yesterday. Optimism is learned; we can practice and work at it until it becomes a habit. We can talk to ourselves and others in more upbeat ways, look for the bright side, and resolve to be more optimistic. When we do, our optimism is a gift not only to ourselves but to everyone around us.”

President Hinckley at the death of his late wife Marjorie left his wise counsel in the program of the funeral itself. It states “It isn’t as bad as you sometimes think it is. It all works out. Don’t worry. I say that to myself every morning. It will all work out. Put your trust in God, and move forward with faith and confidence in the future. The Lord will not forsake us. He will not forsake us. If we will put our trust in Him, if we will pray to Him, if we will live worthy of His blessings, He will hear our prayers.” “Carry on. Things will work out. If you keep trying and praying and working, things will work out. They always do. If you want to die at an early age, dwell on the negative. Accentuate the positive, and you’ll be around for a while”

This week I invite all of us to look on the greener side of all things, always knowing that everything will “Be alright”. I promise that If we do so, if we look for more happiness, we will find more happiness. If we are more positive, more will enjoy our company. Life will be better. I close with the invitation of the same President Hinckley: “"Cultivate an attitude of happiness. Cultivate a spirit of optimism. Walk with faith, rejoicing in the beauties of nature, in the goodness of those you love, in the testimony which you carry in your heart concerning things divine."

“Life is to be enjoyed, not just endured."

Until next week, stop enduring and start enjoying.

-Elder Matthew Arscott