M E R I D I A N     M A G A Z I N E

Bright Idea
By Vickey Pahnke-Taylor

Editor's Note: If you've always wanted to sail to Alaska, you can do it in the company of Vickey Pahnke-Taylor and Meridian Magazine. Click here for information.

I remember hearing a story of Thomas Edison’s research building burning to the ground. When some shook their heads in disgust and sadness, Mr. Edison apparently said something like this: “Well, now we have a chance to start all over and do even better.”

I wasn’t there to witness the incident (even though I am old enough to have grown up without iPods, laptops, and cell phones), but I recognize that Mr. Edison’s wisdom went beyond inventing such things as light bulbs and phonographs. No wasting of time or negative sentiment — seems the light bulb was not the only bright idea Mr. Edison possessed!

What a sensible way of looking at things. It seems folks like that have an uncanny (blessed) way of recognizing that nothing is a waste if we learn from it and determine to move forward. When the overall goal is more important than the day-to-day activities we can move on, regardless of seemingly positive or negative emotional impact.

Learning to sort through the emotional assaults in order to rationally deal with our situations is a brilliant way to live life. It helps us settle into a more positive life flow. Lest we feel as though we are drowning in that flow, seeing the life experience as one continual forward progression can provide cushions when life tosses us an unanticipated curve or two. (And who among us has not been surprised from time to time by one unsettling development or another?) “Sideswiped” is the way some of my family members put it!

A poem written by W. R. Hunt (that reads like a little prayer) offers a few beautifully simple measures that may help us more brightly, wisely move forward:

Dear Lord,
Please give me
A few friends who understand me
And yet remain my friends.
A work to do which has real value,
Without which the world would feel the poorer.
A mind unafraid to travel,
Even though the trail be not blazed.
An understanding heart.
A sense of humor.
Time for quiet, silent meditation.
A feeling of the presence of God.
The patience to wait for the
Coming of these things,
With the wisdom to know them when
They come.

This poem provides an invitation to ask for gifts that, while assisting us inwardly, focus us outwardly! If we have wasted time, energy, or resources feeling bad about what we have:

• done (or not done),
• said (or neglected to say), or
• felt (or wished we had felt),

why not focus on one or two gifts that will bring us brightness and hope, building rather than giving way to feelings of sadness? We may literally become brighter, more truth-filled, as we forwardly progress, in spite of setbacks or disappointments.

Elder Richard G. Scott counseled: “Don’t live your life in despair, feeling sorry for yourself because of the mistakes you have made. Let the sunshine in by doing the right things — now. (See 1 Ne. 22:26.) Pick up the scriptures and immerse yourself in them. Look for favorite passages. Lean on the Master’s teachings …Refresh your parched soul with the word of God.” (See 2 Ne. 4:15-16.)

These things are beautifully simple measures as well — and within the reach of each of us. We may sometimes see things go up in smoke — literally or figuratively. If our spiritual and emotional tanks are full enough, we may feel down — but never out — as we focus on a way of rebuilding. The overall goal of exaltation will naturally evolve as we move positively along.

The Savior invites us to come to him that our burdens may be light. It is a real invitation; one available through relatively simple measures that we can incorporate. When the “stuff” of life — investments, ideas, relationships or dreams — seemingly go up in smoke, there are ways of moving forward. Tediously, maybe. Baby step by baby step, perhaps. But forward, nonetheless.

Leaning on the Master’s teachings — patiently pursuing the best gifts and then wisely utilizing them — will carry us along. Now there’s a bright idea!

Click here to sign up for Meridian's FREE email updates.