However Long and Hard the Road

From Elder Holland’s Devotional address on Jan 18, 1983

I have been very discouraged the past few weeks.   Things are getting harder and I have been feeling the pressures of keeping up with everything in all of my responsibilities.  I recognize this is a time of learning and growing for me.  And if it is to be worth it, then I will have to do some hard things.  Elder Holland said, “Nothing very valuable can come without significant sacrifice and effort and patience on our part.”  The challenges I feel I am faced against can either stop my progress or make me think about what needs to be done and how I can get it done.  My challenges are not that big compared to others.  I only need to stop focusing on myself and look around.  The early saints definitely had it rough.  I am not being asked to sacrifice my home and possibly lose some family members along the way.  I am not putting my life physically on the line in battle.  I have a home and have my family around me.  I have a part-time job that I love.  My husband has a job that provides sufficiently for our needs.  I have many blessings that I am truly grateful for.  “But in life’s most crucial and telling tasks, my plea is to stick with it, to persevere, to hang in and hang on.”

 

I don’t know where this road is taking me.  I don’t know what other challenges I am going to face.  But with patience and with God’s help, I can do my best.  I will keep trying.  I can’t give up when the going gets tough.  I will keep moving.  I will stay determined to see this through, no matter how slow the process.  “I will put my shoulder to the wheel and push along.”  I will continue to work towards reaching my goal.  “Every worthy task will require all that we can give to it.  The Lord requires the heart and a willing mind.”  I am willing and I trust that the Lord will help me and guide me to where He needs me to be.

In conclusion, Elder Holland said, “Take advantage of every opportunity to learn and grow.  Dream dreams and see visions.  Work toward their realization.  Wait patiently when you have no other choice.  Lean on your sword and rest a while, but get up and fight again.  Perhaps you will not see the full meaning of your effort in your own lifetime.  But your children will, or your children’s children will.”