Oh the carefree days of childhood!
When we were children, we often enjoyed playing games as we were walking to and from school. Not unlike other children, my siblings and I often travelled the fun way to school—not necessarily the most direct route. Whether this involved going through the creek or balancing on the tipsy bridge that spanned it, fun and competitions were always a part of the journey. At other times, we would walk along the sidewalks and join in childish games, reciting rhymes while we played. Perhaps some of you remember walking over the sidewalks and repeating the verse “Step on a line, you break your mother’s spine. Step on a crack and break your mother’s back.” Then we would carefully place our footsteps to avoid unknowingly stepping on a seam in the cement or a crack on its surface. It provided hours of fun and somehow made our long walks bearable and funny. They were harmless and juvenile at the time.
Now we have all grown up. Yet as adults, we sometimes unknowingly continue playing childish games. These are manifest in the form of silent treatment, holding a grudge, sarcasm, or insults. They are all silly games, and they are still juvenile.
But they aren’t so harmless now.
It’s all about why…
Why exercise every day? For some, it’s a social event. For others, exercise is the best way to maintain health and longevity. Some people exercise for fun. One gentleman told me that for him walking was his personal time. He has been avidly walking every morning for more than four years. All these reasons are legitimate, plausible, and good. You certainly have others. There are plenty more than those mentioned. The point is that whatever your reason, it’s significant to you, and, like many things we do in life, there are unintended benefits, consequences, and effects. And because it is significant to you, it’s significant to God. His glory and purpose is to bring to pass our immortality and exaltation. As we align ourselves with Him, our destination is sure.
When challenges happen in life, and they are sure to happen, realizing they are merely bumps in the road, rather than our final destination, helps us persevere. I stumbled across a quote toward this end. It has been many years since those words were spoken, but the lesson contained therein is just as applicable today as when they were first uttered. Maybe you have heard it before:
Elder Bruce R. McConkie said through the prophets “the Lord reveals the truths of salvation, … the salvation that is in Christ; and he charts … the course leading to eternal life. … In every age the Lord gives his people the direction they need at the moment of their peril and danger. And surely in the days ahead there will be times when nothing but the wisdom of God, descending from heaven and flowing forth from prophetic lips, will be able to save his people.”
Parenthetically, I plea is it too much to ask for the wisdom of God in the midst of a job loss, a wayward child, financial difficulties, or challenging personal relationships? I think not. In fact, I believe it is at that very moment God’s direction sheds forth its light to bless and empower those who are struggling to recover. We needn’t do this on our own.
So what are his prophets saying to those facing undesirable situations?
All that you need, Christ can provide Matthew 14:19,20
Laborers in the vineyard Mark 10:29,30
34 Behold, there are many called, but few are chosen. And why are they not chosen?
36 That the rights of the priesthood are inseparably connected with the powers of heaven, and that the powers of heaven cannot be controlled nor handled only upon the principles of righteousness. Doctrine and Covenants 121:34-36
To read more of Walter’s articles, click the picture.
This is just an example. See lds.org for much, much more.
The foundation is sure.
We need not worry whether we are going to be successful. The works of God are never frustrated. Our Father in Heaven’s work and glory will all be fulfilled—and that means us.
Read for more on this subject: A Sure Foundation
In 1989, Walter Penning formed a consultancy based in Salt Lake City and empowered his clients by streamlining processes and building a loyal, lifetime customer base with great customer service. His true passion is found in his family. He says the best decision he ever made was to marry his sweetheart and have children. The wonderful family she has given him and her constant love, support, and patience amid life's challenges is his panacea.
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