Man must search for what is right, and let happiness come on its own.
Johann Pestalozzi
Whether a person thinks humankind is an evolved accident or, as I do, that we are created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27) and have a part in a divine plan, it is self-evident that we have the capacity to reason and choose. It is my belief that as a child of God, my mortal life is a gift that I may use for good, or not. Early in life, I became aware of that divine spark within that impelled me to reach for that which is good, uplifting, right. As child, I wanted to be good and to do the right thing; which is not to say I always was and did. I did want to do the right thing (and still do) but, as Heavenly Father knows, discerning between right and wrong, between truth and error, even between good, better and best, requires time and experience. Hence, mortality. The perfect laboratory for learning by example, observation, experience and most importantly, by faith.
Faith is trusting a loving Heavenly Father who knows me and knows what is right amidst the plethora of opinions and options. It is in my best interest to invest the time to learn of Him and his ways; to study the principles by which He lives and as much as possible practice living by those principles. Knowing that learning by experience includes many falls and wrong turns, He lovingly provided a Savior, Christ Jesus, who willingly took upon Himself the ultimate consequences and suffering our sins and follies. It is in my best interest to use my right and capacity to choose to accept that gift of mercy . It is in my best interest to make quiet time and still the voices of stress and discouragement, that I may more clearly hear the “still small voice” by which he guides me through the subtle grays where neither choice is wrong but one is needful. (Luke 10:42)
Throughout this laboratory of life, Heavenly Father knows not the ultimate goal but the pathway that leads to all that I can and was meant to become. He knows me and what experiences I need to lead me towards Him. He knows that what is right is the same as what will lead not merely to mortal happiness but ultimately to everlasting joy. (Isaiah 51:11) I choose to trust Him and learn of Him and His ways.
