by David Bay, High Councilor

It rained this week! This summer the state of Utah has been struggling with a drought. This last week we had good heavy rain at just about an ideal rate, not too little and not too much, although for some the storms brought flooding and water damage. What fascinated me was the different responses of people to the stormy weather.

There were those who had been praying for rain in faith and had heartfelt gratitude. Even when major plans needed to be adjusted or flooding needed cleanup, they cheerfully found solutions.

Then there were those whose disappointment and discouragement matched the gloomy skies. They complained and griped about being inconvenienced by the change in the weather.

A big part of preparedness and self-reliance is the ability to take whatever situations come up and act in faith pressing forward as well as possible. This kind of an attitude helps us to respond faithfully and happily. Trusting in the Savior and seeking direction from Him will help us find miraculous solutions even when others view it as hopeless.

I recently listened to a TED talk given by YouTube producer Mark Rober (of squirrel obstacle course fame) that used a videogame metaphor to explain problem-solving in life. >>Click Here<<

Each of our individual journeys through life is much like playing a brand-new videogame. We may have an idea of what we would like to do that have happen in our lives. Some have crystal clear goals and directions, while others get tossed about with no sense of direction at all. Either way unplanned situations and circumstances come to all of us. The challenge is to make choices that make the most of each of these opportunities.

President Nelson has told us, “Our Savior and Redeemer, Jesus Christ, will perform some of His mightiest works between now and when He comes again. We will see miraculous indications that God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, preside over this Church in majesty and glory. But in coming days, it will not be possible to survive spiritually without the guiding, directing, comforting, and constant influence of the Holy Ghost.”

I hope that each of us will choose to prayerfully prepare and respond faithfully as challenges come tumbling into our lives.