How To Be Happy

On Tuesday Alden and Eli started preschool.  After I dropped them each to their respective classes, I had 2 1/2 glorious, uninterrupted hours to sit in the observation booth and read/watch Eli cry (he is still very attached to his mommy).  Fortunately Eli's crying only lasted the first hour and after that I was really able to focus on what I was reading which was awesome because I was reading our church's October conference report.

Our church is unique in that we believe in the same church organization that existed when Christ was on the earth.  That means we believe we have a prophet and apostles.  Every 6 months the worldwide membership of our church gathers together to listen to the prophet, Thomas S. Monson, his counselors and the quorum of the twelve apostles.  Conference weekends are probably my favorite weekends of the year because it is such an uplifting experience. 

It often isn't until I read the published talks that I can incorporate solid answers that apply to my life, though.  On that preschool morning I was reading Dieter F. Uchtdorf's talk titled "Of Things That Matter Most" and I fell in love with his simple recipe of how to be happy.  His talk focuses on simplicity in today's complicated world and he quotes Leonardo da Vinci as saying "simplicity is the ultimate sophistication."  The quote that really got my attention, though, was when President Uchtdorf said
"There is beauty and clarity that comes from simplicity that we sometimes do not appreciate in our thirst for intricate solutions." 
Um, holy cow that speaks to me.  I am one who has a "thirst for intricate solutions."  I always think things can't have easy answers and I'm afraid I therefore complicate my life, much to my husband's vexation!

President Uchtdorf's recipe for simplifying our lives, and therefore happiness, says we need to focus on four relationships: our relationships "with our God, with our families, with our fellowmen and with ourselves."

1. With our God:
"As we seek Him, as we learn of His Son, Jesus Christ, as we open our hearts to the influence of the Holy Spirit, our lives become more stable and secure."
"To strengthen our relationship with God, we need some meaningful time alone with Him."

2. With our families:
"We build deep and loving family relationships by doing simple things together."
"Taking time for each other is the key for harmony at home.  We talk with, rather than about, each other."

3. With our fellowman:
"We build this relationship one person at a time- by being sensitive to the needs of others, serving them, and giving of our time and talents."

4. With ourselves:
"Take a little extra time to get to know yourself better.  Walk in nature, watch a sunrise, enjoy God's creations, ponder the truths of the restored gospel, and find out what they mean for you personally."

President Uchtdorf says that if we strengthen these four relationshps, we will find ourselves on "the path that leads always toward a life of meaning, gladness, and peace."

Man, I love conference.  Is it April yet?