Why is That Bad News

       "There is this man who was the most well known man in the village because of his stud horse. The village people would always compliment him on his horse. One day the horse ran away,  the people gave the old man their apologies. The man then said 'why is this bad news?'

      "A week later the horse came back fallowed by 15 mares he found in the canyon. The people congratulated the man for his possessions. The man says 'why is this good news?' The people now think this man is crazy. Why would he not be happy about these mares?

       "The fallowing day the man's son decides that these mares are still wild. So he jumps on one of them and gets thrown off. He brakes his back and is paralyzed. The people come to give their condolences to the man, 'Why is this bad news?' The people just leave because they think the man has gone mad.

       "The fallowing month the Governor comes to town and calls all the able young men to war. All but the old man's son goes. After the war the town receives news that all have died. The only young man left is the old man's crippled son." (unknown author)
   
 



 I was born and raised in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. My family was blessed more than I even knew. Many of my friends would mention to me how great my family is. When I was in high school my little brother was paralyzed in a football game. Many of his and my friends told me they were sorry to hear that. But... "Why is that bad news?".

      An hour after the accident he was given a priesthood blessing from my Bishop. Three days later he walked out of the hospital. That is when I gained my testimony of this Gospel (even though I was raised in it). My church member friends would tell me how great it was that I now have faith and understand what Heavenly Father has done for me.... "Why is that good news?"

       A year after that I turned 19. The eligible age for serving a mission. I had to leave my family, schooling, friends, and a great job. My buddies tried to get me to stay because of all that I would be missing.... "Why is that bad news?"

       Being on my mission I have gained new friends and new family members (they cant replace my original ones) more learning than I would've at any school, and a job that I love. My family tells me how proud of me they are and how much help I have been to the people out here.... "Why is that good news?"

      Now I'm coming to the end, I have to finish up what I have started in not enough time at all. I have to get things in order to move on, say my goodbyes and get ready for the trials I will face when I get home. I pray and ask for more time, to help out with what my family and friends are going through. I plead for help and encouragement.... Then I heard Him say "Why is that bad news?"

       Don't judge the situation, but acknowledge the blessings!