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Cheerful

CHEERFUL

1
a :  full of good spirits :  merry
b :  ungrudging
2
:  conducive to cheer :  likely to dispel gloom or worry

I'm convinced that deciding to be cheerful is, while sometimes difficult, in fact a choice. I'm not Victor Frankl: my life has been very easy and free from major concern, relatively speaking. But I am inclined to agree with him that being happy or cheerful is a personal matter, almost regardless of circumstance. In fact, it is in the difficult times of our lives when we need to choose to be cheerful. Perhaps there is no greater need at those moments. But certainly when things are easy and peaceful, we should choose to be cheerful.

And why not? Why not be cheerful? Isn't that better than being gloomy and oppressive? Anyway, I think it is.

It is difficult, sometimes. It may sound easier or more intellectual to be critical of others and things. It can seem like the best alternative - after all, offering criticism at times can help others to improve.

But the longer I live, the more I'm coming to understand that much of what we're concerned about really doesn't matter. Someone is wearing stripes with plaid? WHY NOT? Sure, it's ugly. But who cares? Is it worth damaging another's feelings just to demonstrate how wrong something is?

No. I don't think it is.

Besides, if we were looking at one another as we should, choosing to look at people's hearts and souls, rather than the outward appearances, I'm sure we'd find many reasons to praise and love that person. Cheerfully.

Mormon writes of it this way - Mosiah 24:15 And now it came to pass that the burdens which were laid upon Alma and his brethren were made light; yea, the Lord did strengthen them that they could bear up their burdens with ease, and they did submit cheerfully and with patience to all the will of the Lord.

I don't know why some of us are called to go through certain trials. I also don't know why others feel that it is their duty to criticize others, afflicting them even further with their power-trips and anger and malice. I think it's my challenge to spread cheer and joy and love. That's all.

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