A reflection on shifting perspective

As I sat in an early morning Sunday meeting, a thought was shared regarding how we (generally) deal with trials and problems. Captain Moroni found himself in a tough situation when his hopes and ambitions were dashed by the loss of a city. In his frustration he wrote a letter to the governor of the land, Pahoran. The reply that came to Moroni was not one of offense or indignation at being "censured," but rather of brotherly love and affection. Another example of someone who cried out in anguish to another is found in the Doctrine and Covenants section 121. Joseph Smith received a reply from the Lord encouraging patience and endurance.
As this thought was being shared I reflected upon how I deal with my own trials and challenges. As a group we discussed ways in which we might encourage those of our local congregation to look at challenges a little differently. I remarked that questions between two people that start with "why" often lead to a defensive answer and rationalization of action. Those questions and answers are not part of "therapeutic communication." By restructuring thoughts and asking more probing questions such as the "how" or "what" type inquiries, more information into thoughts is gleaned. For example, when looking at challenges instead of asking the "Why me" based accusatory questions, ask "How can/does this strengthen my faith?" or "What can I learn from this that will draw me closer to my Heavenly Father?"
An additional thought shared was a list of questions geared to restructure mindsets that spin the negative into the positive.

"What is great about this problem?"
"What is not perfect yet?"
"What am I willing to do to make it the way I want it?"
"What am I no longer willing to do to have it the way I want it?"
What got us where we are won't get where we want or we'd already be there.

I think of the quote by Albert Einstein, "We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them."

By changing the way we view challenges we can more readily see the positive and thus the solutions. Negative mindsets don't often find the best solutions but those who see the good in the situation. Make the best out of a bad situation.

On a completely different note I am sharing a picture of the youngest after she had received a bath. I brushed her hair back giving her a different look when it dried.