https://www.lds.org/ensign/2014/03/trials-tribulations-and-trust-in-the-lord?lang=eng
I read this article about trials and tribulations and I really appreciated the thoughts that were given and the story shared. I just wanted to take some time and elaborate and share some of my own experiences with trials.
When I was in middle school my older brother was killed in a car accident after being sent off as a Missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in New Zealand ( I feel that I can in some small way relate to this family in the story.) He had only been out for about 2 1/2 to 3 months. The news came to us early in the morning and our Stake President was the one who came over and told us the news. We were so devastated and shocked by the news.
We all had a choice at that time of how we would react and cope with this news. I believe that my reaction happened the way it did because of the faith and example of my parents, especially my mom. They were so strong and knew that one day they would see their son again. I don't feel like I made an actual conscious choice about staying strong and faithful on my own, but because my parents made that choice I followed their example.
After my brother's death my life began to have so much more meaning. I felt like I understood the meaning of life just a little bit better. My friends began to look up to me more and more and they leaned on my strength that I had gained and that strengthened me even more. I was able to be their example. I still looked to them as my example, but in turn they did the same thing.
I began to become a stronger individual. I knew that I would see my brother again some day and that helped me to change my perspective on how to live my own life.
I know that having a family member die is not an easy trial to pass through, however it can make you stronger if you allow it to. Some people let trials defeat them, but I chose to rise above my challenge and become better because of it. It was also helpful to have my friends stand behind me and help me through this tough time in my life. Having a strong support system and good friends, I believe, is an important part of coping.
I loved this quote from the article, that says: "I have learned much from a book titled Why Did This Happen to Me? by Ray Pritchard. He says: “Sometimes we will face things for which there is no earthly explanation.
In those moments we need to erect a sign that reads, ‘Quiet: God at
Work.’ Meanwhile, hold on, child of God. Keep believing. Don’t quit.
Don’t give up. Let God do His work in you. The greatest tragedy is to
miss what God wants to teach us through our troubles.”"
I feel that this quote is particularly applicable in my life today as I have had struggles adapting to parenthood and being a new mommy of twin girls. I guess it is time for me to erect the sign that says "Quiet: God at Work" because he truly is and I know in my heart that it's true. I know that God loves me and knows my specific needs, so I won't give up, and I won't quit.
I recently went to a meeting where Elder Dallin H. Oaks' wife spoke and she talked about how we have the choice to Falter or Finish. So when we face our trials in life will we choose to Falter or Finish? My goal is to be a finisher. I want to always have faith that things will work out, because they do so long as we do our part.
Life can be tough at times. It is not always fair, but that's why we have a God who loves and knows us. If we turn our hearts to him he will be there to comfort and guide us through our life.
Again, I hope you take the time to read the article I posted at the beginning because it is a good one and it has uplifted me today. Thanks for reading. Now go out and do your best to be a finisher! I know you can do it. Don't give up!
