When we were newlyweds we visited some friends who we really admired. They had an amazing family although at the time their parents were serving as missionaries in Mexico.. Their dwelling was a humble home in a lower-income part of town where they raised eight children. At least one of their children was handicapped. It wasn’t their stuff that impressed us, it was their happiness. They just seemed to have a really kind, happy family.
I wondered what the secret to their happiness was? How could people be so happy without affluence and a prestigious lifestyle? We saw a sign on their fridge that summed it up for me. I made the sign into the picture quote that you see above. You are free to use it as you would like. The saying was, “The more you live the Gospel, the more fun life is.” And they seemed to be the type of people who tried to live all the commandments – from loving others to eating well – they were trying to do the things that God had asked them to do.
God gives us commandments so that we can be happier. Some people look at commandments as restrictions. Think of a shopping cart. Some people think that every time they “have” to keep a commandment it’s like God is taking something out of their shopping cart. Taking away fun or friends or time. But actually, it’s just the opposite of that. Each time you keep a commandment, God is putting blessings in your shopping cart. If you are honest, people trust you and you have better relationships. If you don’t commit adultery social science says your family is happier. If you care for others studies show that you are less stressed. If you don’t covet you can spend time being grateful and enjoying what you have. If you live a temperate life and follow my church’s Word of Wisdom, you are healthier and more energetic. All of God’s commandments bless us in direct and indirect ways.
Yes, “the more you live the Gospel, the more fun life is.”
Saplings and Sunflowers 