I'm still working on the Federalist papers. It's a much longer read than I expected. Since it's been several months since my last post, I've decided to continue on with the conference talks.
The message of this talk is of great comfort. While Elder Wirthlin discusses the importance of perseverance and different examples throughout history of true perseverance, really what I drew from this talk was that all of the hardship that can come while persevering to do what's right is worth it, and, as the title suggests, we should never give up.
One point of interest came earlier in the talk. "The book (of Job) suggests that affliction, if not for punishment, may be for experience, discipline, and instruction." I've never really thought about my trials from this perspective before. There have been a few trials, one in particular, that I struggled to understand why I had to go through it. I never felt like I was being punished, but these trials were hard to bear and I couldn't see why I needed them. I may not completely understand the why behind these things, but now that I am able to look back instead of just forward, I can see how I have gained all three of these things Elder Wirthlin described.
Another point I appreciated is the following: "They succeeded not only because the Lord had endowed them with gifts, as He has each of us in varying degrees, but because they applied themselves steadfastly." My husband just started his PhD program at Wake Forest, and I know he has concerns about his ability to keep up with the coursework. It's nice to know that it's not just raw talent that enables someone to succeed, but rather the discipline to refine that talent and become better.
The last point I really took home was at the very end of the talk. "Probably few of us will face opposition and obstacles like those encountered by the great ones I have mentioned. However, we each have our own challenges and trials to overcome as we strive to keep on the right course. Often the most important trials are those we must face and subdue privately within our own hearts." I don't talk much about my trials, well, at least my really big trials. I've always felt as though my really big trials are internal struggles that creep on me day after day. I also felt silly for feeling this way because trials are supposed to be eventually overcome, and some items never seem to go away. Yet Elder Wirthlin is telling me that I'm not the only one to feel this way and that these truly are great struggles.
As I mentioned, this talk is one of comfort, but also I think it is one of hope. Elder Wirthlin is like a personal cheerleader, telling each of us that we can make it, that we should want to make it, and that we should do everything we can to make it. Or, as he put in a more straightforward way, "We must never give up, regardless of temptations, frustrations, disappointments, or discouragements." Sometimes it's nice to have a cheerleader on our side.
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