Today, I'm grateful for my new lease on life with energy, bodily comfort, direction, and meaning. It's as if I went through old age and rebirth during my last decade of trial and learning. Throughout this decade of learning, I had many improvements and hints at joy in the morning. My health got better little by little as I learned to care for my body AND my spirit. Now I understand (or at least I hope I do.) As I head into my second prime, my gratitude is full.
"As part of Heavenly Father's plan of redemption, all people experience adversity during their lifetime. Trials, disappointments, sadness, sickness, and heartache are a difficult part of life, but with the help of the Lord they can lead to spiritual growth, refinement, and progress. Each person's success and happiness, both now and in the eternities, depend largely on his or her responses to the difficulties of life.
...Trials may come as a consequence of a person's own pride and disobedience. These trials can be avoided through righteous living. Other trials are simply a natural part of life and may come at times when people are living righteously.
When some people face adversity, they complain and become bitter. They ask questions like 'Why does this have to happen to me? Why do I have to suffer this now? What have I done to deserve this?' But these questions have the power to dominate their thoughts. Such questions can overtake their vision, absorb their energy, and deprive them of the experiences the Lord wants them to receive. Rather than responding in this way, people should consider asking questions such as, 'What am I to do? What am I to learn from this experience? What am I to change? Whom am I to help? How can I remember my many blessings in times of trial?'" LDS.ORG, Gospel Topics, Adversity
"For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need," Hebrews 4:15-16.
"My [daughter], peace be unto thy soul; thine adversity and thine afflictions shall be but a small moment; And then, if thou endure it well, God shall exalt thee on high...," Doctrine and Covenants 121:7-8.
"...joy cometh in the morning," Psalm 30:5
