Lesson, 11/23/2008

We were combined with the High Priests today. Keith Dionne taught from President Monson's talk, "Finding Joy in the Journey." Keith focused on four elements of the talk.

1. Finding joy now. We shouldn't continually be awaiting a time when things will be better. There are things we can enjoy now, even if things are tough.
2. Focusing on what's important. What makes the journey great is the people we connect with.
   
3. Finding joy in generational change. President Monson put it this way.
   

   If you are still in the process of raising children, be aware that the tiny fingerprints that show up on almost every newly cleaned surface, the toys scattered about the house, the piles and piles of laundry to be tackled will disappear all too soon and that you will—to your surprise—miss them profoundly.

   Likewise, we should enjoy the change we experience as we get to take care of people who once took care of us, like parents or grandparents.
   
4. Being grateful. We should be thankful for everything God blesses us with--not just the stuff we asked for. Keith shared a story of friends with a severely disabled child, whom they considered a blessing for many reasons, including that their friends, neighbors, and members of the church gathered together to serve them.