Have I done any good in the world today?

I am a firm believer in the idea that everything happens for a reason. In fact, I should say that I KNOW this, rather than I BELIEVE this. Nothing happens just by accident. God has control over everything and he knows what he's doing. He knows us better than we know ourselves. He places circumstances, situations, people, joys, and sorrows in our life at the right time because we need them. We need them to grow, whether we think we do or not. These thoughts give me much comfort.

Lately I've been focusing these thoughts on people. I know that specific people are placed in our lives for a reason. I love the lyrics to the song "For Good" from Wicked:

I've heard it said that people come into our lives for a reason,

bringing something we must learn,

and we are led to those who help us most to grow if we let them.

And we help them in return.

Well I don't know if I believe that's true,

but I know I'm who I am today because I knew you.

....Who can say If I've been changed for the better?

I do believe I have been changed for the better.

Because I knew you I have been changed for good.

I am so thankful for everyone in my life who is an example to me and who have helped me be the person I am today. We are all on this earth to help each other out, right? I wonder how many lives I have improved. Or maybe how many times have I made life harder for someone. My goal today is to make someone's day brighter. I want that to be my goal every day. "Have I done any good in the world today? Have I helped anyone in need?" If I can answer yes to that, then I can say I have succeeded.

hApPiNeSs

Happiness is critical. Isn't it the reason we do all that we do? So that we can be happy. I love when my cheeks hurt because I've been smiling so much. Happiness is a part of who I am. I think that true happiness goes hand-in-hand with being thankful. I am so thankful for my knowledge of the gosple. The assurance it gives me in life should be enough to keep me happy each day. And since I love quotes (and the cute Hinckleys):
"The trick is to enjoy life.
Don't wish away your days
waiting for better ones ahead"
-Marjorie Pay Hinckley

"Each of us can ask ourselves each morning,'What

can I do to make life happier for someone today?'"

-Marjorie Pay Hinckley

"Let us be a happy people. The Lord's

plan is a plan of happiness. The way

will be lighter, the worries will be fewer,

the confrontations will be less difficult

if we cultivate a spirit of happiness."

-Gordon B. Hinckley

"Elder Neal A. Maxwell once said, 'We are here in mortality

and the only way to go is through; there isn't any around!'

I would add, the only way to get through life is to laugh

your way through it. You either have to laugh or cry. I

prefer to laugh. Crying gives me a headache."

-Marjorie Pay Hinckley