I feel I should add my voice to countless others in acknowledging the death of our prophet. I admit that when I heard it, the first feeling I felt was relief. To think that he spent almost his entire life in church service, not to mention raising a family in his private life. He worked so hard, probably harder than most people his age do or should. Talk about fighting the good fight and enduring to the end. I also feel relief in knowing that the priesthood power continues and that there is no question who his successor will be. Unlike current American politics where there is so much speculation as to who our next president will be- it's comforting to know that that same craziness doesn't exist in church leadership.
This incident adds to my melancholy feeling as of late. The many stresses of trying to find a new home have worn me out, not to mention the constant demands of three small children, a hard-working and busy grad student husband, and living the life of perpetual poverty.
Jon and I read this talk together last night. As usual, it was exactly what I needed to hear- the true meaning of "enduring to the end".
"Enduring to the end is a process filling every minute of our life, every hour, every day, from sunrise to sunrise. It is accomplished through personal discipline following the commandments of God.
The restored gospel of Jesus Christ is a way of life. It is not for Sunday only. It is not something we can do only as a habit or a tradition if we expect to harvest all of its promised blessings. “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap” (Galatians 6:7).
Enduring to the end implies “patient continuance in well doing” (Romans 2:7), striving to keep the commandments (see 2 Nephi 31:10), and doing the works of righteousness (see D&C 59:23). It requires sacrifice and hard work. To endure to the end, we need to trust our Father in Heaven and make wise choices, including paying our tithes and offerings, honoring our temple covenants, and serving the Lord and one another willingly and faithfully in our Church callings and responsibilities. It means strength of character, selflessness, and humility; it means integrity and honesty to the Lord and our fellowmen. It means making our homes strong places of defense and a refuge against worldly evils; it means loving and honoring our spouses and children."
"Enduring to the end is not just a matter of passively tolerating life’s difficult circumstances or “hanging in there.” It's not? Dang it! I've got some more work to do...
6 comments:
Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Tina. I agree, it is something of a relief. He lived a long life, full of service, and he can honestly say he endured to the end.
Thanks so much for posting on enduring...I sometimes feel "if I can just get through this week"....or "if we can just make it till the next paycheck"....it doesn't work that way and I'll miss out on alot waiting for "this" to be over! Thanks for the reminder!
yo yo lady. what a great post. I am so impressed with your ability to intermingle gospel discussion in your blog/journal. very cool of you.
now wait a minute, are you trying to tell me that living in perpetual poverty isn't an everyday PARTY!? WHAT?!! :) know that you guys handle it really well. i have much to look up to in you.
President Hinkley's passing was a little emotional for me as well knowing how much he missed his dear wife. What a wonderful example of 'enduring to the end'!! He may not have had the same spring to his step as of late but the twinkle never left his eye. Making forward progress, baby steps, is what is required. Acknowledging that eases some of the guilt of not doing everything all the time! Baby steps! Mom
I left a comment already, but apparently, it didn't stick! That quote reminded me of a conversation we had about not waiting for landmark occasions to "start life". If one waits until they have a house, or a real job, or whatever, you waste all this great time now. You have the right perspective in there somewhere!
I bawled when I hear of his death. I think of him as "my prophet." He has been the prophet through most of the crucial years of my life. I love him. Your comments on enduring to the end were so helpful for me. The Lord knew what I needed when I read it. Thanks Tina!
brandi
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