“When we understand the great plan of happiness, we are gaining an eternal perspective, and the commandments, ordinances, covenants, and the experiences, trials, and tribulations can be seen in their true and eternal light.” – Elder Jay E. Jensen.
Have you ever felt like you’re just constantly rushing, trying to keep up, and sometimes, it feels like the weight of the world is on your shoulders? We live in a pretty fast-paced world, right? There’s always something demanding our attention, and it’s super easy to get caught up in the “right now” feeling like this earthly life is all there is. We chase after quick wins, get super bummed about temporary setbacks, and sometimes, in all that hustle, we just lose sight of the bigger picture.
But here’s something truly amazing and comforting: we are meant for so much more than just this life! Each of us is a beloved child of a loving Heavenly Father, and He has this incredible plan for us—something way bigger and more wonderful than we can even imagine right now. As President Russell M. Nelson beautifully taught, “God’s love for His children is infinite. He desires that each of us return to Him.” This isn’t just a nice thought; it’s our true potential, our divine destiny. And really understanding this, letting it sink deep into your heart, is what we call having an eternal perspective.
We’re encouraged to have this perspective not because it makes our current life less important, but because it actually makes it more meaningful. It gives purpose to our struggles, deeper joy to our happy moments, and real strength to our souls. Think of it like putting on a pair of special glasses that let you see beyond what’s right in front of you, past the daily fog, and into the vast, beautiful journey we’re really on.
What Is An Eternal Perspective?
So, what exactly does it mean to have an eternal perspective?
Imagine you’re knitting a cozy scarf. You’re focused on each stitch, making sure it’s just right, counting the rows, picking the perfect yarn. If one stitch goes a little wonky, or you drop a few, it might feel like the whole scarf is ruined! All that work, just for a mistake.
But what if you knew this scarf was just one small, beautiful part of a whole matching set—a hat, mittens, and socks—that you were making for someone you deeply loved? And you knew you had plenty of yarn and time to fix that one little mistake, maybe even make it stronger? That moment of frustration wouldn’t feel so huge, would it? You’d just pick up your needles, knowing this wasn’t the end, but just a tiny moment in creating something wonderful.
That’s eternal perspective. It’s understanding that this life, with all its ups and downs, its struggles and its joys, is like that single, important scarf—a crucial, beautiful, and sometimes a little messy part of our journey, but not the whole story of who we are. It’s knowing that we are forever beings on a forever path, and that our Heavenly Parents are patiently, lovingly guiding us toward something truly magnificent. It’s trusting that every experience, even the tough ones, can be refined and used for our ultimate good. It simply means looking at every moment, every choice, and every relationship through the lens of forever.
How Can An Eternal Perspective Help Us?
Embracing an eternal perspective isn’t about ignoring what’s happening now; it’s about making it richer and more profound. It brings a kind of peace, purpose, and spiritual power that nothing else can. Here are six ways it can really help us navigate this incredible life:
It Gives Us Unshakeable Hope in Tough Times
When things get hard, and they will, eternal perspective reminds us that “this too shall pass.” It helps us look past the immediate pain or disappointment and trust in God’s bigger, better plan. We start to see that even the darkest nights lead to a new day, and that our Heavenly Father is always there to help us through. It really anchors our souls when life feels stormy.
It Helps Us Forgive and Let Go
Holding onto grudges or bitterness can really weigh us down. With an eternal perspective, we understand that our relationships are super important and, in many ways, eternal. It helps us see others as children of God, just like us—imperfect and trying their best. This view helps us be more understanding and makes it easier to offer grace and forgiveness, both to ourselves and to others, knowing that our eternal progress is tied to how we love and forgive.
It Makes Our Priorities Clear
In a world that’s constantly yelling for our attention, it’s easy to get sidetracked by fleeting trends or material stuff. An eternal perspective helps us figure out what’s urgent versus what’s truly important. It reminds us that growing spiritually, building loving relationships, and serving others are investments that pay off forever, way more than any temporary earthly gain.
It Powers Our Desire to Grow and Change
Knowing that we’re on a path of eternal progress inspires us to constantly become better versions of ourselves. We see our mistakes not as failures, but as chances to learn, grow, and get closer to God through repentance. It’s a continuous journey upward, and eternal perspective reassures us that every single step forward, no matter how small, counts.
It Makes Us Appreciate Life’s Joys Even More
When we understand that life is a gift, a special chance to learn and experience, even the simplest joys become profound blessings. The laughter of friends, the beauty of a sunset, the comfort of family—these aren’t just random moments; they’re divine gifts meant to bring us joy and help us grow. Eternal perspective helps us truly savor these moments with deeper gratitude.
It Builds Unwavering Trust in God’s Plan
Maybe the biggest help of all, an eternal perspective helps us build a deep, lasting trust in our Heavenly Father and His perfect plan for us. When we realize He knows everything from beginning to end, and that His love for us is perfect, we can let go of our worries and trust His infinite wisdom. It’s about letting go of our limited understanding and leaning on His perfect guidance, knowing He’ll lead us home.
So, my dear friends, I really hope this helps you not only grasp what it means to have an eternal perspective but also truly love the idea of it. It’s not just a concept; it’s a powerful tool, a spiritual superpower, that can totally change how you experience every single day. Embrace it, trust in it, and watch how it brings clarity, peace, and endless hope into your beautiful, eternal journey.
