Rising Above It All

Have you ever found yourself asking, “Is it all worth it?” Some days, even the simplest tasks feel like a struggle—getting out of bed, making the bed, checking emails, glancing at the calendar, or even just looking in the mirror. These are the moments when the choice to be grateful becomes most powerful. 

I am reminded of the wisdom from Bill W., who wrote: 

“We are sure God wants us to be happy, joyous, and free. We cannot subscribe to the belief that this life is a vale of tears, though it once was just that for many of us.” — (Alcoholics Anonymous, p. 133) 

And from Dr. Bob: 

“None of us would be here today if somebody hadn't taken time to explain things to us, to give us a little pat on the back, to take us to a meeting or two, to have done numerous little kind and thoughtful acts in our behalf. So let us never get the degree of smug complacency so that we're not willing to extend that help.” 

Encouraged by these words, I reflect on a truth that has carried me through challenges: 

“The great pleasure in life is doing what people say you cannot do.” — Walter Bagehot 

And from Melody Beattie, a reminder of the transformative power of gratitude: 

“Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity... Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow.” 

What Does It Mean to Rise Above It All? 

To rise above the weight of daily struggles is to embrace joy, even in the face of adversity. The scriptures remind us of this truth: 

Isaiah 61:3 — “To console those who mourn in Zion, to give them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they may be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified.” 

2 Nephi 2:25 — “Adam fell that men might be; and men are, that they might have joy.” 

Joy is part of God’s plan for us, and gratitude helps us embrace that joy, even in difficult times. It is often in the little things—small acts of kindness, quiet moments of reflection, a simple acknowledgment of life’s blessings—that we find the strength to keep going. 

Alma 37:6 — “By small and simple things are great things brought to pass.” 

 

So today, I choose gratitude. I choose joy. And I invite you to do the same. 

 

May you find joy in all that this day brings. Good morning.