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Devotionals

Of Time and Endurance

Of Time and Endurance | Elaine McArthur

Sisters and Brothers…Aloha,I have long been fascinated by seeds--how in the right conditions and in the process of time-- they transform--they grow and push through the nurturing but opposing earth…and unfold and emerge into the light and continue to grow…and to become.When a seed is planted in the ground in the right conditions, germination happens. Germination is the process in which a seed changes from a state of dormancy (just a seed) to a growing, livingA seed contains a tiny plant embryo—as well as all the nutrients an emerging plant needs to begin its growth—In order for this growth to happen the seed needs the right environment. As you probably know – that environment includes the right combination of water, air (oxygen) and warmth usually from sunlight (not too hot not too cold). These are essential to the process of seed growth. Given this nurturing environment, the seed pod eventually bursts, and something called cellular respiration begins, the tiny seedling gains energy it needs to develop, unfold and PUSH up through the soil. (note -- to push up or to push through could be termed a kind of endurance.)After this point germination is complete and the seedling can begin photosynthesis to gain energy. This will cause the seedling to straighten up into a tiny plant as it reaches for the sun.I am intrigued by this process and I collect and regularly plant seeds in my personal garden simply to enjoy seeing them emerge and grow. It is miraculous. I often have my beginning Spanish students plant seeds (usually the first week of class and usually mammoth sunflowers-which I love) so that we as a class can witness easily observable physical growth (typically seedlings sprout within a week) and by the end of the semester we have tall blooming, glorious sunflowers – to symbolize their growth as new language learners…growth that they may or may not quite yet feel or see in themselves. But as they continue to consistently nurture their language through various ways–they will grow in their capacity to both understand and communicate in their new language.We are like seeds. We have been planted on earth for a season—which we can call time.This TIME (this life time– or perhaps your time in college, this semester – or however you choose to frame your current season of life) This TIME IS for us--to live, to experience, to choose, to DO, to seek, to struggle, to discover, to learn, to change, to overcome, to grow. This LIFE “TIME” has been called a probationary state and a preparatory state.In the Book of Mormon—in the Book of Alma we are taught:“And thus we see, that there was a time granted unto man to repent, yea, a probationary time, a time to repent and serve God.” –Alma 42:4Probationary means a process of testing or observing the character or abilities of a person (such a person is usually one who is new to a job…. or in this case NEW on earth with a NEW physical body…and a NEW life to live)“…this probationary state became a state for them to prepare; it became a preparatory state.” --Alma 42:10It helps me to understand this doctrine of life, of time and of growth.Understanding the divine purpose of our time living on this earth, HELPS me to live …to work through my challenges, and learn to endure.I’d like to speak for just a moment to those of you –maybe new international students, -- who are growing your English language and who are gathering new vocabulary.The verb I am using here is ENDURE which means: --to work and persist (to keep going) with purpose; --to remain firm under suffering or misfortune without yielding or giving up, even though it is difficult -- to bear or wait out patiently.It can also mean, to come to a knowledge of something by living through it, coming to a knowledge through experience.The noun forms are ENDURANCE and ENDURINGThe adjective form is also ENDURING Along these lines of enduring and pushing through and upwards…like seeds in the earth. I would like to share just ONE of the ways I have learned physical and mental endurance in my life time…this learning started when I was (when we – my husband and I -- were) just a bit younger than most of you students are now…many years ago.I will call this part “Running Uphill” When my husband and I were teenagers (we met back then)– between the ages 15-18—we regularly ran up in these hills you see here (behind me)— These are what we call the foothills in Boise, Idaho (where we grew up) –far beyond them-- the foothills grow into much larger mountains. This isn’t the exact image I was hoping to find (we actually didn’t take many pictures back then --no cell phones, and we didn’t just carry cameras around much) —we just did and experienced and remembered– but in my mind’s eye – in my memory -- I can still see a long dusty dirt road curving up —hill after hill –3 1/2 miles up to a certain ending place.This was a tradition -- a regular weekly workout for our high school x-country team in the summer and fall months-- especially during August through October. Picture this -some 30 to 40 teenagers – girls and boys – on a hot afternoon …running…uphill! Willingly!! Why would we? Why did we do this? Well… it was our coach’s plan --to build our endurance, to increase our fitness, to make us stronger in body and mind—to be better prepared… to run and compete in future races (which typically were not all uphill) but rather on flat or more gentle rolling hills. And…we were willing, we were obedient, we followed the workout plan. We wanted to be tougher, stronger, faster. In this process-- we encouraged each other. *Have you ever noticed? The beautiful thing about memory is it often glosses or smooths over the struggle and pain actually felt in the living moment – so in the present moment of remembering we don’t really remember or feel how hard or painful some experience was. In this case, I can recall that running uphill, in the heat was work, exertion and sweat! It required determination and grit to do it– but what lingers is the feeling, the sense of overcoming, of arrival at the top, of achievement at completing the course – of meeting the challenge and then the invigoration and relaxation even enjoyment as we walked and jogged—as a large group of friends—talking, laughing all the way back down to the bottom where we had started. Running uphill (so to speak) is an essential part of life—the struggle to push onward and upward through whatever life presents us—is a hard, determined effort – certainly often with its discomforts and even sorrows but not without rewards, even joys.In the Book of Mormon, in Mosiah 4:27 we read,“It is not requisite that a man should run faster than he has strength”But – I would add – it does seem requisite (or necessary) that we run-- in some form –which doesn’t necessarily mean actual running but rather to do hard things, to exert ourselves for some good purpose.One of my favorite verses of scripture relates to this idea – In the New Testament, in Hebrews we read: “Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us. Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross.....For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds. Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin. Let us run with patience the race.” Hebrews 12: 1-4Again…for me the idea to run in each of these – means to exert ourselves, to work through, to endure for a good purpose—even if that purpose simply means wading through our circumstances or waiting on the Lord –without knowing clearly for how long or for what reason exactly. I believe we each have great ability to endure—but like with many other abilities – skills, capacities, talents –we need to EXERCISE them, to develop them—so we can call upon them.I am convinced that we need to choose to practice endurance—in different ways -- to learn to endure (with purpose) –so that when we really need to be able to endure –when circumstances or conditions aren’t necessarily our choosing –nor ideal or desirable -- we will be better able to meet the challenge to work through difficulty and endure well. So…now, I would like to share an ancestor story (a story of endurance). I have had this picture in my possession for many years. It is of one of my great-grandmothers. She is my father’s, father’s mother –so, my great-grandmother – Jane Hewitt Johnson. Her parents met in Virginia during the United States Civil War in the years 1861-1865– her parents were on opposite sides of that war—her father as a young man was a Union soldier and her mother, the daughter of Confederate plantation and slave owners– but those two fell in love during that war—and married as soon as it ended. Shortly after, they moved away to start their life anew in another state -- in southern Missouri. And my great-grandmother Jane was born there in a place called Hickory County in 1873—that was 90 years before I was born. I never knew her. But I have been captivated by this rare photo of her that someone took. I am grateful to have it. I don’t know much about her life -- only bits and pieces. But I know that I am part of her and she a part of me. Her story is part of mine. This image of her speaks to me of loneliness, and difficulty…and endurance. Her husband Frank, my great-grandfather, was what in those days was called a freighter, with a few horses and a wagon-- (in a time before there were cars and trucks). To support his family, he followed the grain harvest across the country sometimes traveling as far as Montana to haul supplies and goods and to help with the harvest. When the harvest season started, Frank was gone from home for months on end leaving Jane in charge of their children, humble home, and farm in Missouri. One November--on his trip home with his horses and wagon – Frank got caught in a cold and heavy rainstorm that lasted several days. As a result—he caught pneumonia and suddenly died. Jane was 37, with 3 children, the youngest-- my grandfather -- was just a year and a half old. I have wondered how she managed. I imagine this picture was taken after the loss of her husband. It speaks more than words how difficult it must have been. A family story says she cleared 40 acres of land all by herself, by hand, with a simple grubbing hoe in order to plant food and support her little family. She continued with her children, in poverty, scratching out an existence there for years—before eventually migrating to Idaho. My grandfather would often talk about being hungry and having no shoes as a boy. I recently learned something more of Jane’s character. A few of weeks ago – I emailed a cousin on my Dad’s side to see if he knew anything more about this great grandmother of ours. Gratefully, this dear cousin took it to heart and quickly made time to talk with some other family members to see what they remembered about her. No one knew a lot, but he was able to collect and record a few more family memories. He emailed back to me what he had learned. One story he shared about her was that in those difficult years after Jane’s own husband’s death – one of their neighbor men died and without anyone asking, Jane volunteered for her oldest son to milk the widow's cow. So, twice a day -- morning and evening her boy would make a long trip on foot to the neighbor's farm to milk the cow. After quite a long time passed with him doing this -- the widow neighbor told Jane she didn't need the boy’s help any more. She offered to pay him for all the milking he had done, but Jane declined her offer and told the lady that she'd make it right with her son. I learned something here about my great-grandmother Jane –having experienced great hardship and sorrow herself –she anticipated a need, and showed compassion, sacrifice and care for her neighbor. I am touched by that. From all the bits I have gathered of her, including this photo, I know her life was hard—she was poor and likely lonely. I don’t know for sure what sustained her. (As far as I am aware, she didn’t have the resource of faith that I have, nor the sustaining and guiding power of baptismal and temple covenants, nor the steady, comforting influence of the gift of the Holy Ghost). I don’t really know how she endured and kept moving in her life time, but she did. The little I do know of her inspires me…to press forward amid my own life challenges. I am grateful for her legacy of resilience and strength amid great adversity and sorrow. I am also grateful that I have been able to provide temple ordinances for her…which I believe provide her choice and opportunity to keep growing in her life beyond this world.This great-grandmother of mine – whom I never knew in person – has caused me to ponder and seek to know something more about her—to better understand – in part – myself and my family—and as I said – I have been inspired and encouraged by doing so.But, I have other people, closer to me in my life experience—that I have known, and know better and loved deeper who have a had a more profound influence on me—who have nurtured, encouraged, helped and inspired me – continuously – along my way. Here I would like to say a few words about my motherMy mother, Marie, is one of the most significant people in my life. She is the granddaughter of Italian immigrants. She is a talented artist. She is also a sower of seeds, a true gardener—And for me, she exemplifies love, gratitude, friendship, sensitivity to people and to spiritual things, creativity, problem solving, and appreciation of nature’s bountiful and diverse beauty.I would say that all of these ‘ways’ are gifts of hers that she has cultivated and that I have learned from -- but I think I have been most influenced by what I call her spirit of hopeful optimism. This is an emotional, thought and spiritual process—and response –almost a trained reflex—to life situations and challenges—big and small. It is a way in which one sees or perceives and then communicates HOPE and POSSIBILITIES (usually in words, followed by some action) to draw out the good in any circumstance.Though at times I humor and even weary my own husband and children with this relentlessly positive approach—as I find myself being like my mother in this way….I am ever grateful to my mother for her ways which have given me capacities to face and endure difficulties and which to me bring to life the very words “a perfect brightness of hope” (another one of my favorite scriptures …found in the Book of Mormon in 2 Nephi)“Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men….” 2 Ne 31:20The resilient hope and love that I have learned both from my mother and that which I have learned from BEING a mother – is a physical and spiritual and ENDURING love and commitment that is most powerful. I have learned that far beyond bearing, birthing and early child raising years – we carry our children with us all of our lives—even eternally. And we endure in hope for them.I hope you will think about your own mother. However well you know her, whatever her strengths or shortcomings (we all have them!), she carried you into this life. Bearing and birthing as well as the ongoing caring for, nurturing, teaching, and continuous loving and hoping for are ALL special kinds of endurance in life. The words in the heart of the 13th Article of Faith written by the prophet Joseph Smith read “…we have endured many things, and HOPE to be able to endure all things.” Note the slightly different emphasis on that word hope.This practice of HOPE helps us to live well and to be able to endure—and grow. When we become part of the Church of Jesus Christ… of Latter-day Saints –as I did at age 20-- or whenever we find we are converted -- we become aware of and are connected to the long enduring story of heaven and earth and that of our Heavenly Parents’ family.We may have previously felt isolated and disconnected but then discover this big picture—the long story—the truth –of our pre-existence—our life BEFORE this life, of mortality—our current life, of prophets and prophecy, of agency, of repentance and forgiveness, of healing and salvation through the atonement of Jesus the Christ, and of life and growth and of resurrection after this life,We are part of God’s long story—Our Heavenly Parents, Our Savior, the Holy Ghost are in our story and We are in THEIRS. We ARE THEIRS.Our Gods’ work is one of loving endurance – for us.We know this, from among the words that Jehovah spoke anciently to the prophet Moses as recorded in scriptures that we call the Pearl of Great Price: “The words of God, which he spake unto Moses at a time when Moses was caught up into an exceedingly high mountain” -- Moses 1:1 Jehovah says,“For behold, this is my work and my glory—to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man.” --Moses 1:39In another time and place recorded in the Book of Mormon--in His visit to the Nephites in the Americas, the then resurrected Savior said:“Behold, I am the law, and the light. Look unto me and endure to the end, and ye shall live; for unto him that endureth to the end will I give eternal life” 3 Nephi 15:9Think about those words – endure “to the end” –to the end of the trail, to the top of the hill, to the solving of a problem, to the completion of a paper, a project or exam, to the end of a semester, to the birth of a child, to the raising of a family, to the healing of an ailment or injury, to the end of our days of life – of mortality—this--whatever season we are in –give it your best effort –to the end--to follow Him and His way – and we will be helped–and we can help each other … in both difficult and joyous times.The Savior says for us to LOOK unto Him… and endure to the end.The Savior himself IS our teacher and example in this.We learn from Him and his walk of life of His ability to endure (leading up to His very real and great atoning sacrifice.) One source says Jesus walked 3,125 miles during his three-year ministry.And over his lifetime, one conservative estimate says the number of miles he walked was likely around21,525 miles, almost the equivalent of walking around the entire world. (I am not sure how accurate that is)But just think of Him and his walking. Just walking…His movement in space and time.It takes time—to live…to move through life. As the Savior lived on earth—He walked. A LOT. And from what I can discern, He was not in a hurry, though he WAS focused on his mission.It didn’t seem he “rushed”. He was calm amidst the storm—because He knew His purpose and ours.We were and ARE HIS purpose. And He didn’t just walk (for exercise or just because he had to –to get around) He walked places with purpose, to connect with people—both individuals and groups – to teach, to heal, to love. “…when Jesus knew that his hour was come that he should depart out of this world unto the Father, having loved his own which were in the world, he loved them unto the end.” John 13:1The Savior himself said, “As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you; continue ye in my love.” --John 15: 9The pure love Jesus Christ had and has for each and all of us— the complete combination of faith, hope and charity…infuses his enduring mission FOR US as our Savior and advocate with Heavenly Father “ And charity suffereth long, and is kind, and envieth not, and is not puffed up, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil, and rejoiceth not in iniquity but rejoiceth in the truth, beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.” --Moroni 7:45It may be—and I believe it is—that it is this love that really sustains us and provides us the source of our resilience and ability to press on. It is that long love that we can trust – that which continuously radiates to us from our God—as well as the love that we generate for others –that which we send out.“…charity is the pure love of Christ, and it endureth forever” Moroni 7:47I find the spirit of endurance –the endurance that we must find for our lives -- in these words from Moroni on the final page of the Book of Mormon: “Yea, come unto Christ, and be perfected in him, and deny yourselves of all ungodliness; and if ye shall deny yourselves of all ungodliness, and love God with all your might, mind and strength, then is his grace sufficient for you, that by his grace ye may be perfect in Christ; and if by the grace of God ye are perfect in Christ, ye can in nowise deny the power of God”. --Moroni 10:32 Echoing this scripture -- In General Conference of April 1997-- Before many of you had arrived on this earth yet, our current and living prophet, Russell M. Nelson—– then an apostle said: “Your responsibility to endure is uniquely yours. But you are never alone. I testify that the lifting power of the Lord can be yours if you will “come unto Christ” and “be perfected in him.” You will “deny yourselves of all ungodliness.” And you will “love God with all your might, mind and strength.” --Elder Russell M. NelsonI add my testimony to his.When we submit ourselves to growth experiences – such as when we choose to run uphill, or to enroll in college and take classes, or become parents, or many other things –including the choice to follow the living Christ as disciples-- we plant ourselves in an environment – by choice – in which we must meet opposition. We practice and learn to endure—and overcome. I am convinced that we need to prepare ourselves – to better meet whatever the future holds – by willingly exercising our ability to work—with faith and hope and love -- and endure (when we don’t HAVE to)…so that when we REALLY must – we are better able. As with the Savior’s example, we are to learn to endure WITH PURPOSE. I encourage each of us to PRACTICE such endurance…in this time that we have. In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.