November Presidency Message

Sisters,

It has been three years since I have seen fall. We have been living in tropical places where it is wet and warm and green all year long. The colors on the trees are just as exciting to me as they are to my girls who don't remember or have never seen the beauty that comes with the changing seasons. We point out the colors while walking to the bus or driving in the car and are in awe at the changes that have occurred. We stop and take notice of bushes and trees that we didn't see before or just casually passed by because they were unremarkable. Changes in the seasons are incredible and beautiful. These changes are inevitable, as are the ones in our own lives.

As our situations change, we are met with the opportunity to evaluate our perceptions. Being able to recognize the unremarkable aspects of our lives as blessings can help us improve our attitudes towards our trials. I can complain about my kids not eating the dinner I prepare, or I can rejoice that I have food to put on the table for them. I can drag myself sleepily through a busy day because a child kept me up all night and continually be grateful that I have her in my family. I can shiver and resist putting away my sandals while I am marvelling at the beauty that comes with the cooler weather.

I believe that there is a blessing to be found in every situation. We have been told to learn as much as we can in this life since we can only take our intelligence with us. The changes that come about in our lives often stem from our trials. If we can look for the beauty and goodness in the unremarkable aspects of life, we can gain the strength to not only survive our trials, but thrive in the knowledge we gain by the experience. And remember that you are never alone in your trials as a daughter of God and a sister in Zion.

Love,

Katherine