Recently I have found myself on what can only be described as a roller coaster of emotions. January just isn't my month. Too boring. Too cold. Too slow.

I've had some extreme highs and some disappointing lows (reacting in quite over dramatic ways if I do say so myself). But one situation recently really got me thinking: Why does one disappointing thing destroy my whole mood, my whole demeanor, my whole mindset about myself? My dad so wisely explained why.

He explained to me that, while I am capable of taking on most situations one at a time, I am not capable of taking them on all at once, all alone. Having the weight of the world on my shoulders is unbearable. The only way I can withstand all the pain and pressure of this life, without breaking, is through the Heavenly Father.

Now, I had heard this before, but its easier learned than lived.

I'm a controlling personality and like to have a plan and expected outcome for any given situation. But I've found that with this mindset, although there are some very satisfying moments of accomplishment, I do nothing more than set myself up for overwhelming sadness, disappointment, and frustration. Having a mindset that is prepared for whatever comes my way and whatever the outcome may be can only come from the peace of knowing that every situation in life has a purpose set in place by the Lord.

Knowing that the twists and turns of this life are only there to alter the course of my life to lead me closer and closer to my Father is so relieving. A life of living each day with the mindset that anything that comes my way - good or bad - is purposed to lead me closer to Him is a life I desire.

"The more you look forward to the next world, the less you'll need from this world. The less you need from this world, the more you can do for it...the more you can withstand the pain in it...the more you can actually enjoy it." - Levi Lusko, Passion 2018