One article we studied and discussed this week was about the impact on families that were immigrating from Mexico. In this study, they interviewed several different famliy members that had immigrated. One person mad the statement that American had so much, yet they did not seem very happy. She compared that to her life in Mexico, where they did not have very much, but they took great joy and happiness through their families. I really had to think about this comment. Is this truly the case? Are we focusing so much on material things that we forget the importance of our families and the great joy that we can have through them! They are one of the most important things in our lives! Where would we be without our families? Quite honestly, this reminds me of President Monson's talk Priesthood Power. In it he talks about how it is acutally good for a couple to have to struggle (financially). It brings them closer together. I'm not saying that it's bad to have money (it is a blessing), but I've realized that if we are constanly focusing our attention upon it then we will lose sight of what really matters.
But is it easier to be happy when we have less? Do we focus more on our families when we have less material possessions/ money? Maybe. I think we can still be just as happy when we have more, but I think often it is easier to focus on what's really important when we don't have as much to be distracted by.
No matter what may be going on, we should always keep our families in focus and remember that the Lord will provide for us as long as we are faithful to Him. Our families help us become stronger and better people. Together we work to overcome obstacles. Together we have fun and rejoice. Together we help each other return to our Heavenly Father.
'Great observations, Brooke. I have wondered myself whether they made a big mistake by coming here for more, when perhaps the tradeoffs just did not account for what they had to give up.
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