Turning Darkness into Light

One thing I've learned in life is that it is full of ups and downs. I've done a lot of pondering on this especially the following questions; How can I have more ups than downs? What is it that makes the down times so hard? Through scripture study and prayer I have received some insight. I've heard it said a few times that "light and darkness cannot occupy the same space at the same time." If a room is dark and you light a match or flip the light switch, no matter how dark it may seem, light WILL over take the darkness. The same principle applies with the light of the Holy Ghost and darkness of Satan. AKA the ups and downs of life.  Elder Robert D. Hales of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles states;

"Light dispels darkness. When light is present, darkness is vanquished and must depart. More importantly, darkness cannot conquer light unless the light is diminished or departs. When the spiritual light of the Holy Ghost is present, the darkness of Satan departs." Out of Darkness into His Marvelous Light (emphasis added)

My conclusion to the questions stated above replacing ups with light and downs with darkness is that as we do the things we know we are supposed to do light or happiness fills us. We allow Satan or darkness to overtake us by sinning, and our light diminishes and will eventually depart. One important thing Satan doesn't want us to realize is that we still have the ability to light that match or flip the switch; causing light to overtake darkness once again. Because of Jesus Christ and the sacrifice he has preformed the option will always be there. The choice is up to us. This doesn't mean it will be easy or even that our light will be as bright as it once was. But as we try our best and apply the atonement of Jesus Christ through repentance all that seems lost will be found, all that seems impossible will become possible, and every wrong will one day be made right. I know we can only see a portion of the big picture of life right now, but as we remain faithful more up times will come and all things will work out in the end.