Reverting
to my pattern of writing a day late, this one’s for Pioneer Day. About ten days of celebration ended on the
24th of July (except for fireworks still being used up tonight by neighbors who
must really feel the Pioneer-Day spirit. I write when I can’t sleep.) We honor the Mormon pioneers who endured the westward
trek to Utah, some dying along the way, others arriving in 1847 and subsequent
years before the railroad.
We
hear it said, "Life was much harder for the pioneers, so we should be
grateful for the easy life we lead today in this country." On the other hand, we are often reminded that
our youth now face greater challenges because of the world we live in. However, we are all blessed with freedom here
in the Promised Land, our land of endless opportunity.
But
what if you don't have a great job, or you wake up with a feeling of
overwhelming sadness … or when you get home, the basement is flooded or your
family is sick and ornery (kids, that means "bad-tempered &
combative"). How do you go forth
with faith? Where do you find the
strength?
The
Lord reminds us in the Scriptures and in one of our favorite Primary songs:
“If
with all your hearts ye truly seek me,
Ye
shall ever surely find me” (from Elijah, an oratorio written by Felix Mendelssohn, who died in 1847).
I
know God lives and loves all of His children.
That is my testimony.
I
pray that each of us will rely on Him, seek guidance from the Holy Ghost and
help from each other, and maintain a deep reservoir of spiritual strength for
crossing the mountains of trials in life.
With love.
Cheers ... for pioneers. In the strength of the Lord, let us all go forth with faith.
