For the past few weeks I have been thinking of the value of adversity in our lives. Today is Pioneer Day in Utah, and it reminds us to celebrate the arrival of the first Latter Day Saints into the valley of the Great Salt Lake. It was a fairly empty place, (not a place anyone would dream of had they the choice of a paradise) to escape from the enemies who had driven the Saints from place to place. So many people died. So many were murdered for their belief in Jesus Christ and our Heavenly Father. We honor their faith, their diligence, their persistence, and just dogged determination. Because of them we have these lovely valleys and towns along the Wasatch Front in Utah, and many other places of refuge in Idaho, Wyoming, Nevada, Arizona, and Mexico. I have many ancestors who walked across the plains with their entire lives in the wagons or handcarts next to them, or the livestock they brought with them. Because of them, I am who and what I am. I have the same values they had, and I can only declare my gratitude for the heritage they have given me.
But who would they have been without the adversity? Would they have developed the same courage, tenacity, and self-reliance? Would they have learned to rely on the Lord without those trials? Who are we today? Have our trials strengthened our lives, enlarged our vision and perspective, brought us closer to God as we bow beneath the load?
I can remember the many times I have gone to the Lord on bended knees, begging for help with the trials we faced, the needs, the crises in our life. So many times I simply begged for the trial to evaporate, please take it away, I don't think I can do this! But gradually I would realize that He was helping me through it, instead of removing it from my life. I can remember dark days and darker nights, feeling as though there would be no good resolution to the problems. But, I was wrong. I would not give up what I learned as I completed those heavy trials. I would not give up the strength of soul that I gained. I definitely would not give up the relationship I have gained with my Heavenly Father, not for any amount of money or lack of trial.
In musing upon adversity, I see it now as my greatest of blessings. I don't think I could have the deeply satisfying relationship with my husband, if I had not experienced the growth of soul and character that came from my earlier trials. As I see the trials of my children and grandchildren, it isn't easy to see them suffer and struggle; but, I do know that it will be to their benefit. A benefit here on earth and through all eternity.
Adversity is a refining fire, it brings the gold buried within to the surface; where we can use it to accomplish the requirements of our life here on earth. When we develop those "gold" talents and skills, we can bless the lives of others, bring change to our communities, and subtly, to the world around us.
My prayers are for all who are going through deeply painful trials; for the Lord to comfort them, and to watch over them as He has always watched over me. It truly is not easy, it is a very painful process. But, I promise, it will bring greater joy than can be had without the trials. I do see adversity as one of the Lord's greatest blessings to us on this earth.
