"These are indeed turbulent times--a world-wide pandemic, protests and riots, wide-spread unemployment, a surge in crime and election concerns. Is it possible to be optimistic under such circumstances, or to the contrary, is it a time to yield to negativism and pessimism? In other words, can someone be realistic and optimistic at the same time?" These are the questions Tad R. Callister posed in a recent article.
Elder Callister answered the questions by paraphrasing Christ's words in John 16:33, "I am realistic enough to know that you will have trials and tribulations in life, but I can promise you that underlying it all you can be of good cheer. Why? Because once I complete the Atonement, there is no external force--no loss of life, or sickness, or economic disaster, or divorce, or other outside trial that can prevent you from being exalted, provided you are obedient and endure to the end."
Elder Callister concludes, "The Savior has taken upon Him the heavy lifting. He has left us with a load, but a manageable one."
How comforting! We are covered completely by the Atonement! It is because of the sacrifice of the Savior that we can endure all things with hope and optimism. Our loads are "manageable" because of His grace and the strength He provides.
One more quote on this subject--by LeGrand Richards, "I just do the best I can and leave the worrying to the Lord."
(Church News, October 18, 2020, "Can We Be Optimistic in Turbulent Times?")
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