In his talk “The Abundant Life” Elder Joseph B Wirthlin speaks about how to find happiness in the day to day struggles of life. He opens the talk by sharing the story of horse that was saved from being salvaged by a trainer. The trainer was later surprised to learn that the horse he had purchased was a great jumper. The first contest that the horse entered, everyone laughed at the worn appearance of the horse. The horse won the competition and was later inducted into the hall of fame.
Elder Wirthlin compares this story to the untapped potential within us. He goes on to say that he has seen people lead lives full of doubt and worry, while he has seen others lead lives full of joy. There are three things that you can do to become those who tap their potential and live abundantly. The first step is to drink deeply. He says:
“The abundant life is a spiritual life. Too many sit at the banquet table of the gospel of Jesus Christ and merely nibble at the feast placed before them. They go through the motions—attending their meetings perhaps, glancing at scriptures, repeating familiar prayers—but their hearts are far away. If they are honest, they would admit to being more interested in the latest neighborhood rumors, stock market trends, and their favorite TV show than they are in the supernal wonders and sweet ministerings of the Holy Spirit.
“Do you wish to partake of this living water and experience that divine well springing up within you to everlasting life?
“Then be not afraid. Believe with all your hearts. Develop an unshakable faith in the Son of God. Let your hearts reach out in earnest prayer. Fill your minds with knowledge of Him. Forsake your weaknesses. Walk in holiness and harmony with the commandments.”
Elder Wirthlin says that the next step to living an abundant life is to love deeply. He counsels us that those who feel their lives with love by helping and serving others are able to find true happiness. Love is the center of the gospel and we need to adopt it in our lives.
The final step is to create a masterpiece of our lives. Elder Wirthlin says:
“How is it possible, then, that so many see themselves merely as an old, gray horse that isn’t good for much? There is a spark of greatness within every one of us—a gift from our loving and eternal Heavenly Father. What we do with that gift is up to us.
Love the Lord with all your heart, might, mind, and strength. Enlist in great and noble causes. Create of your homes sanctuaries of holiness and strength. Magnify your callings in the Church. Fill your minds with learning. Strengthen your testimonies. Reach out to others.
Create of your life a masterpiece.”
Elder Wirthlin concludes his talk by pointing out that the abundant life is not a destination we arrive at, but rather a journey, which we take. It is important to remember that throughout your life. This is a wonderful talk and I hope that you will take the time to read it.