Peace and Calm

A lot of people are living in fear right now for a variety of reasons, including coronavirus. I made up my mind a long time ago that I was not going to live my life in fear. Heavenly Father has a plan, and everything will be as it should be in the end. I could waste valuable time worrying about things, or I could be as careful as possible and be at peace. There is a good amount of peace that can be had by putting our best foot forward in life and letting the chips fall where they may. We need to trust Heavenly Father and have faith in His plan. I am calm and at peace.

 

I’m 65, and my husband is 77—the high-risk age at which we could panic and lose perspective. Yet, I am calm because I know, that everything is right in the world.

 

One of my favorite General Conference talks of all time is “Come What May and Love It,” by Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin. If you haven’t read it, or if it’s been a long time since you’ve read it, I think it might be helpful to read and refresh your memory in light of what is going on in the world today.

 

[E]very life has peaks and shadows and times when it seems that the birds don’t sing  and bells don’t ring. Yet in spite of discouragement and adversity, those who are happiest seem to have a way of learning from difficult times, becoming stronger, wiser, and happier as a result. … I do believe that the way we react to adversity can be a major factor in how happy and successful we can be in life. If we approach adversities wisely, our hardest times can be times of greatest growth, which in turn can lead toward times of greatest happiness (Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin, “Come What May and Love It,” Oct. 2008 General Conference).

 

Elder Wirthlin then went on to teach four principles to help us work through adversity: learn to laugh, seek for the eternal, the principle of compensation (the Lord compensates the faithful for every loss), and trust in the Father and the Son.

 

Elder Wirthlin was not suggesting that we pretend that our problems don’t exist. On the contrary, he was saying to face up to your trials with calm courage and be at peace.

 

Recently, my doctor left our medical care provider, and I had to find a new doctor. The new doctor was doing her due diligence by requesting that I have a myriad of routine tests. I declined. After exchanging a couple of e-mails with her, I finally told her that I don’t want to spend my “golden years” in medical waiting rooms and in doctor offices. I want to spend time with my husband and enjoy whatever life I have left. I explained to her that my husband is 12 years older than I am, and that I have no desire to be a widow for a long time. I told her that I’m not afraid to die. I know where I am going, and there are a lot of people waiting to greet me. She didn’t understand, and there was a curt reply, but she acquiesced to my wishes. There is peace in accepting what is to come. The Holy Ghost is here to comfort and guide us. He can be the calming force in our lives, if we let Him.

 

It all boils down to the fact that Heavenly Father has a plan. The atonement of Jesus Christ is part of that plan. We can use the power of the priesthood to call upon heavenly help. Do we trust in Heavenly Father? Do we trust in the Savior? Do we let the Holy Ghost guide us and comfort us?

 

We can find strength in the power of the priesthood. Take deep breaths, be calm, and trust in Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. Listen to the Spirit. We gain strength and knowledge from our trials. Ask yourself, “What can I learn from this?” We have weathered many storms before, and we will continue to do so in the future.

 

We have been taught to minister in “a more holy way.” We’ve just been given the perfect opportunity to practice our skills. Look around you. See who needs you. You will find peace and calm as you minister to your family, friends, neighbors, and strangers. Be calm and press on. Find peace in knowing that this will pass. Peace will come as you serve others.