Better isn't always easy

*Something I wrote last week, but didn't post*

"It's easier to keep the commandments 100% of the time than it is to 99% of the time." 

A pretty common phrase I hear at church. While I agree as far as not having to suffer any consequences if you're 100% obedient, I still think it's hard to always be obedient. Or maybe it's just hard for me. What I do know is that keeping the commandments is always better. Eternally better. 

The best things in life are earned, right? 

We all have our own strengths and weaknesses. Some things, like drinking and smoking, are very easy for me to resist. It's never been a problem despite me putting myself in environments where those were involved. That's not to say it's not bad to be in that atmosphere. It is. However, other things are a lot harder for me. Despite making the decision years ago to avoid certain situations, the temptations are strong. 

I regret so badly the situations I put myself in that were hard to get out of. Your heart aches with sadness, anger, regret, and guilt. For me, all those emotions add up to feeling like a complete idiot for disappointing Him again and again. 

How could I make the same mistake again and again? I promised myself. I promised Him.

This life isn't easy, people. I think I like to trick myself into thinking that life is a breeze. I recognize that everyone is going through challenges—some much more challenging than mine—but we're given trials that reach our own capacity. Some are definitely harder to overcome than others. They're meant to strengthen us and prepare us to be with Him again.

You don't know better than Heavenly Father. He knows what you're capable of at this time more than you do. He knows what's best for you, He knows what trials will strengthen you, and He knows when and how to help you progress. 

But most of all, because of Him, we can start over and over again and change for the better.