The other day I was going through some papers and I came across a talk I gave in church a few years back. I used a story about Jenna in it. It is actually very applicable to how I have been feeling lately. I would like to share this story probably mostly for me but maybe one of you would like it too.
A couple, of years ago, I was picking my daughter, Jenna, up from preschool. As many of you know, she is full of life and a bundle of energy. Usually when I would pick her up from school, she would come running to the car smiling and waving, eager to tell me about her day. Well, this particular day she wasn't running or smiling. She slowly walked to the car with her head hanging down. It was easy to see that she had had a bad day. As she climbed in the car, I asked her how her day was and she replied, "Not very good." I asked her what was wrong. She informed me that she had gotten in trouble that day and had to go stand in the hallway for a time out. She had had trouble following the directions that day. I asked her if there was something we could do to cheer her up. I made a few suggestions and even suggested that maybe we could make some cookies when we got home. She looked up at me with the saddest eyes and said, "Nothing will ever make me feel better." When we got home, I carried her in and gave her a hug and then sat her on a stool next to me as I began working in the kitchen making cookies. She sat there so sadly. Some time had passed and she quietly got down off the stool and wandered into her room. Pretty soon I could hear her playing with her dolls. I could hear by the sound of her voice that she was becoming happier. A litttle while later, she came into the kitchen playing and talking with her little dolls as if nothing bad had even happened. It appeared that she had totally forgotten of her sadness. As she came close to me she stopped right in her tracks and looked up at me with this happy yet surprised look on her face. She said, "Mom, I'm happy." It was as if it had just donned on her that she really could be happy again.
I know this is a simple story. Bear with me as I make some comparisions. We are all like Jenna. We have times of sadness in our lives. Sadness from wrong choices we have made or even perhaps choices others have made. As a result, we suffer consequences. Or maybe we are experiencing sadness just because of circumstances in our lives. Perhaps during these times of sadness, we feel hopeless and we can't imagine being happy again. I think of Jenna's face when she realized that she could be happy again. The heavy burden of sadness was gone. That is what the Savior can do for all of us if we come unto Him. We can place our burdens at His feet. "Be patient in tribulation until I come; and, behold, I come quickly, and my reward is with me, and they who have sought me early shall find rest to their souls..." (D&C 54:10). We may find rest.
Rob getting ready for a day of fun!
Rob & Clayton M. getting ready to head down the hill.
Clayton K., Rob, and Chance after a fun run!
Clayton M., Devin, and Rob having lunch in the lodge. 
