Thursday, July 5, 2012

Flashback #10: A Small Dash of Patience for the Day

From October 27, 2011

Most blogs and stories and fairy tales have a moral or a lesson to learn. Well... mine right now is kind of obvious. Patience, Sister Franson.

Sometimes Make that all the time, I just do not like it when things don't work.

Wow. You know, I think I remember exactly what I was frustrated with at this time. I'm about 99% sure. While going through this experience, I did receive a priesthood blessing that gave me a lot of insight. One of the things it told me was that my family was proud of me and prayed for me. That meant so much because I just found out that my sister was going to be married and I wasn't going to be there for her. Another thing it mentioned was that this experience would be something that would help me later on.

That particular point was so specific, and I have reflected on this experience many times on my mission. It was very challenging for me, and as I have faced similar challenges, I know now how to handle them better. I have learned not to get upset about something I cannot change, and I have learned how to patiently and kindly respond to things that I can.

Am I a master at this? Absolutely not, but I am much better. This is a principle of enduring to the end. Enduring doesn't mean to suffer or simply wait. In the scriptures, Heavenly Father admonishes us to endure  well (see D&C 121:7-8). If there is a way to endure things well, is there a way to endure things not-so-well? I think so. President Hinckley, a former prophet, even told us that "Life should be enjoyed, not just endured." Enduring well means enduring with faith, hope, and diligence, and always relying on the Lord. We all know it is not easy, but just because something is difficult does not mean that it is bad or that we have to be miserable. There is a way to find joy in adversity, and that is through Jesus Christ. No matter our own ability, He is able to help us along the way.

So, have patience, dear friends! Today, find a way to endure well, whatever your circumstances! Do something fun! Happiness is a powerful motivator and is an easy way to invite the Spirit of the Lord into your day.

Make it action packed!
-Sister Franson

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