Transitioning from being around a lot of family back to being isolated from loved ones by distance is difficult for me. I enjoyed and appreciated the company of my in-laws so much over Christmas break; it was difficult to leave. I am embarrassed to admit that I fell into a little bit of a slump after we got home. I felt lonely, sad, and grumpy for a few days. I allowed negative thoughts to creep into my mind, and I quickly realized that I was the one perpetuating my sorry state.

Recognizing that I was stuck in a little bit of a rut, and knowing that I needed help getting out, I turned to my Heavenly Father in prayer for help. I've experienced times where my prayers are answered right away as well as times when the answer does not come immediately. This time, however, the answer was almost immediate. As soon as I closed my prayer, I felt like a burden had been lifted off of my shoulders. I felt more lighthearted and happy, though this is not to say that the temptation to wallow in pity was removed. As I realized that I still had a battle to fight, the Lord helped me by inspiring me with what I needed to ask for in my prayers that night.

As I knelt down to close my day with the Lord, I prayed that I would know what I needed to do in order to be happy and stay happy, no matter what my circumstances are. The next evening, Daniel and I listened to a conference talk by President Monson from the last general conference. In this talk, President Monson shares a story about a man who asked him for a blessing. This man was old and dying. He could no longer see or hear. The following is Presiden't Monson's description of the man's reaction to the blessing:

Although he had not heard the blessing we had given him, the Spirit was strong, and I believe he was inspired to know we had provided the blessing which he needed. This sweet man could no longer see. He could no longer hear. He was confined night and day to a small room in a care center. And yet the smile on his face and the words he spoke touched my heart. “Thank you,” he said. “My Heavenly Father has been so good to me.”

 This part of the talk resonated with me and touched my heart. I knew immediately that this was part of God's answer to my prayer: I needed to remember His goodness to me. Over the last few days, I have started a new habit: if there is ever a negative or sorrowful thought that enters my mind, I immediately think, "Heavenly Father has been so good to me." The power that lies in these words never fails. Remembering God's goodness to me softens my heart and lifts my Spirits. His love and kindness to me is greater than any sorrow or trouble.

This principle was confirmed to me, yet again, the following day when I was doing my scripture study. In Mark 5, Jesus casts a legion of devils out of a man. Following this experience, the people in the city ask the man who was once afflicted with the devils to leave. The man follows Jesus and asks if he can stay with him. The Savior, however, responds:

...Go home to thy friends, and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee, and hath had compassion on thee. (Mark 5:19)

 There is power for ourselves and for others in celebrating the good things that God has done for us. I have seen in my own life that remembering His goodness has given me the power to overcome weakness and feel joy. I know, also, that as I strive to share with others the good things that He has done for me, I will be able to lift others and be lifted myself.

So, let it be known to all - I have hard days. I struggle with weaknesses. My life isn't perfect. But God has been so good to me! His mercy is unending and His love unconditional. Because of Him, I know that I can find happiness in the good times and the bad if I will simply remember His goodness and acknowledge His mercy in all that I do. The Lord helped me lift my spirits and my sights this week, and it was a miracle for me.