Encouragement

Elder Holland’s words have always managed to give me encouragement just when I need it most. As I read his address to the BYU students it reminded me of the many challenges I have faced in my own life. These following passages have brought me through some tough times and I want them recorded so that I can look back on them when I need them.

“…by definition, excellence does not come easily or quickly—an excellent education does not, a successful mission does not, a strong, loving marriage does not, rewarding personal relationships do not. It is simply a truism that nothing very valuable can come without significant sacrifice and effort and patience on our part. 

Earlier this week I was just telling my 17-year-old niece just these words. She has had the opportunity to dabble in so many new hobbies, however, when things get tough she tends to lose interest. I reminded her that great things take hard work and perseverance. I told her, “don’t be like me, chasing every squirrel that you see. Stay focused.”

 “And when some of those challenges come, you will have the temptation common to us all to say, “This task is too hard. The burden is too heavy. The path is too long.” And so you decide to quit, simply to give up. Now to terminate certain kinds of tasks is not only acceptable but often very wise. If you are, for example, a flagpole sitter then I say, “Come on down.” But in life’s most crucial and telling tasks, my plea is to stick with it, to persevere, to hang in and hang on, and to reap your reward.”

Currently, I can proudly say that I am highly motivated to finish my degree. I know that as time passes, the courses will only become more difficult, the projects more time consuming, and life itself will become busier with my children as they grow. Holland’s words above and below will remind me to stick with it.

When days are difficult or problems seem unending, I plead with you to stay in the harness and keep pulling. You are entitled to “eat the good of the land of Zion in these last days,” but it will require your heart and a willing mind. It will require that you stay at your post and keep trying.