It Is Well With My Soul

While studying for something else a few weeks ago, I came across a speech given by a music professor in 1996…he shared the following:

“In 1876 Horatio G. Spafford bid farewell to his wife and four daughters as they departed on a ship to visit relatives in Europe. Some days later their ship collided with another steamship in the mid-Atlantic. Before it sank, Mrs. Spafford prayed with her daughters and committed them to the mercy of the Lord. She never saw her children again in mortality. Mrs. Spafford was rescued and sent this cable to her husband, “SAVED ALONE.” While on the Atlantic, on his own voyage to bring his wife home, he wrote the words to this hymn:

When peace like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say,
It is well, it is well with my soul.

What occurred here? While suffering the tragic loss of his children and undoubtedly knowing his wife’s trauma and sorrow, how is it that a man can come to such an expression? Here is a stunning example of heart and mind functioning together for the wellbeing of the soul. In sorrow, disappointment, or frustration, the answer—though seldom, if ever, easy begins with our ability to keep mind and heart connected and working together.”

This professor’s words really caught my attention. There is so much power in keeping our hearts and minds focused on the positive, especially when the negative things loudly demand our focused attention.

There will always be rain clouds…but most of the time we get to choose if we want to use an umbrella or to get wet. We can decide if we want to keep our umbrellas upside down or right side up.

Here are a few thoughts penned by people who have inspired me over the years… maybe one of them will be something that you can use to keep your focus on the possibilities rather than the impossible, on the sunshine rather than the dark clouds.

Yes, there are dark clouds, and some things are really hard…but we can accomplish great things under those conditions! Take a lesson from those seeds you’re about to plant in your garden! :0)

“Write it on your heart that every day is the best day in the year.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

“We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them”. – Albert Einstein

“We can choose to wake up and grumble all day and be bitter and angry and judge others and find satisfaction in others doing bad instead of good. Or we can we wake up with optimism and love and say, ‘Just what is this beautiful day going to bring me?’” – Margaret Trudeau

“Optimism inspires, energizes, and brings out our best. It points the mind toward possibilities and helps us think creatively past problems.” – Price Pritchett

“Do not despair. Do not give up. Look for the sunlight through the clouds. Opportunities will eventually open to you. Do not let the prophets of gloom endanger your possibilities.”

“The way will be lighter, the worries will be fewer, the confrontations will be less difficult if we cultivate a spirit of happiness.”

“I come … with a plea that we stop seeking out the storms and enjoy more fully the sunlight. I’m suggesting that we accentuate the positive. I’m asking that we look a little deeper for the good, that we still our voices of insult and sarcasm, that we more generously compliment virtue and effort.” -Gordon B. Hinkley

Here’s to a beautiful new tomorrow…regardless of what the storms of life might dish out!

Much Love and Blessings to you!