On trials & enduring

trial ::a state of pain or anguish that tests patience, endurance, or belief ::
::the act of testing, trying, or putting to the test::

I can't begin to express what a comfort it is to know that we are not alone in facing challenges...everyone does! So many of our family, friends, and acquaintances, both old and new... are struggling. There is so much uncertainty. And, I believe, that from a purely temporal point-of-view, there is plenty of despair and discouragement to last to the end of time. I admit that there have many, many times when I have felt utterly overwhelmed with anxiety about the future. I am tempted to give in to despair, as I think about my inadequacies and inability to be where I would like to be and to be who I want to be. And, consequently, I become more and more aware of how hard Satan works to destroy me on the inside..he knows if he gets to me, he can get to my family. I can't think of a more frightening thought.

I'm grateful for these words found in January's Ensign ...

Your future is not determined by the conditions around you. It is determined by your faith, your choices, and your efforts.

There are no better days than these days, because “these are [your] days” (Helaman 7:9). You are here on earth at this time for a reason. You have what it takes. You have skills, knowledge, and natural talents given to you from God. If you live righteously, you will have access to the inspiration and strength you will need to triumph over any challenge you face. You will have the protection of a worthy life; guidance from the Lord through the Holy Ghost and prophets, seers, and revelators; and the power of sacred promises that are yours because you keep your covenants.

Take these things that are yours and have a great life!

Knowing what we know, and living as we are supposed to live, we really have no place, no excuse, for pessimism and despair.

I know that the Lord lives and loves us. He is the real reason each of us has a bright future.

(Elder Paul V. Johnson, Quorum of Seventy, at times quoting Pres. Howard W. Hunter)

I have to add that my testimony is the one thing that has helped me be where I am. Like many of you, I have had experiences that, had I not had a strong enough testimony, I could have easily just stopped caring and trying, or just done the bare minimum. I suppose that's very possible even now. Although it may be hard to labor all of our days with faith, it being the most fundamental of principles, I have made a promise to myself to never be complacent. To never get too comfortable, too confident, or too distant. That's where those challenges come in. They keep me humble. They keep me on my knees and keep me trying. I never want to stop trying.

Last month, my husband took me to lunch at the beautiful Garden Cafe on the top floor of the Joseph Smith Memorial Building in downtown Salt Lake. The view from up there is absolutely awe-inspiring.
Do you know the history behind the settlement of the Salt Lake valley? I can't look at the temple and not draw strength from the stories of those remarkable pioneers who had, well, pretty much the barest of bare minimums, in some cases, nothing to their name. Nothing except their faith. If they could endure to the end, then I can surely pull my modern handcart along present-day treacherous paths and after giving everything I have in me, reach the promised land with my little family. What a sweet thought.

From up here, I feel a calm reassurance and receive a sure confirmation of the miniscule nature of my trials...and delight in the beauty of enduring to the end.