THANKFUL THURDAY - The Journey

As I watch people close to me hurt for all varieties of reasons, even my own heart at times, I can not help myself from looking to the pioneers and for a split moment am embarrassed for thinking life is hard... then...I am overcome with emotion as I ponder what price they had to pay to rejoice. Our lives are so easy and we have so many reasons to rejoice. Are we rejoicing? Are we as strong as they were? Could I be as strong IF I had to? I am thankful for the vigorous commitment of those round about me and those that came before me, to endure with courage and fortitude very hard things. It creates an illusion within myself even if temporarily hopeful, that I might be one day as they were, fervid and fixed with purpose and power. SO many around me have faith that is prolific and undaunted,  their example is stimulating. 

I am SO very thankful for this journey we are all on. We all have SOMETHING... There is not one person I know that is free from trials and hardship, it would impossible from the beginning of time, for in and of itself is the purpose of our presence and continuation here on earth. I am grateful that we can break down and weep, then get up and journey again AND rejoice. Though our trials may not be burying our young or fighting off the mobs, the trails of this day are and will require the same type of conviction and mastery as the pioneers so beautifully exampled. 

This poem I found a few years ago in an Ensign. It made me weep and provided me an abrupt shift in perspective that sometimes I need.

Written by Lisa South, artwork by Clay Wagstaff.

I am grateful for this journey we are ALL on. For the purpose in which I am here, to progress, cultivate and improve. I am so grateful for the colorful experiences life provides and for the knowledge I have and for the rejoicing I feel daily. I am grateful for this JOURNEY!

"When we truly understand what it means to love as Jesus Christ loves us, the confusion clears and our priorities align. Our walk as disciples of Christ becomes more joyful. Our lives take on new meaning. Our relationship with our Heavenly Father becomes more profound. Obedience becomes a joy rather than a burden."
Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "The Love of God," Ensign, Nov. 2009, 21