My View of Life - Never Better!

Growth Through Trials

Our Heavenly Father sent us to earth to learn and grow. It's a disconcerting thought that there would be little growth for us without challenges. Perhaps even more distressing is how we endure and overcome these challenges of life. And finally, how do we interpret them when they come, and . . . after they're over.

Of course it's grueling to experience divorce, a wayward child, a spouse who's lost their way, difficulties with health, money problems, and a host of other problems that will arise during our earthly sojourn.

At age 55 I've experienced many of these challenges. I wish to comment on one of them--declining health. Twelve years ago I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. The pain was excruciating. One by one I gave up the sports and activities I loved. My work, and life in general, became arduous due the difficulty of walking, the inability to use my left arm, minimal use of my hands, and pain in just about all of my joints. But after three years of medical treatment, tremendous effort, and faith in Jesus Christ, the pain subsided sufficiently so that I could resume most of my former activities, and work became pleasant again.

Then a new physical aliment emerged--cancer. Major surgery and another year in an awful battle of medical treatment and rehabilitation. The effects of radiation were such that it took all my strength to make it from my bed to the living room. But again, after mustering all my will, faith, and effort, the cancer went into remission.

This four year struggle was likely the most physically, emotionally, and psychologically draining period of my life. But looking back, I saw a beautiful period of growth I hadn't noticed before.

I seemed to see everything through different eyes. My gratitude for life seemed to know no bounds. My testimony of our Savior grew exponentially, sharing the gospel became easier, and serving others was more blessed, fulfilling, and enjoyable. The sacredness of my family, the love and unity I felt for my wife, and children was now more deep, sincere, and immovable.

My career as a registered nurse took on a whole new meaning. I had studied out of textbooks for years, but the actual experience complimented my practice in a marvelous way. I had genuine love, understanding, and concern for each of my patients. No matter who they were, or what their concern was I felt a depth of empathy and appreciation for their condition I didn't have before.

And finally, my love of writing. The plots, scenes, and phrases came much easier. I could identify with them through experience rather than just picturing in my mind and writing a random idea. It was real for me--touching, recognizing, and comprehending in a way that I could not have learned otherwise.

The dark clouds of trouble that threaten to destroy our peace WILL NOT BE SO, if we have the gospel of Jesus Christ central in our lives. No matter the trial, there is hope smiling brightly before us in the persona of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He himself said, "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."

Let us never forget the first principle of the gospel, "faith in the Lord Jesus Christ." He willingly and lovingly experienced and overcame all things that he might ask us to lay our burdens at his feet. He knows we need his help. Looking back on my four years of struggle I recognize that I felt his soothing, loving, sustaining, caring support every moment of every day. I had no feelings of, "why me?" No disposition to do evil, and no feelings of ire about any of my experiences in life. Just my knowledge that the gospel of Jesus Christ was the center of my life, that I was growing by leaps and bounds with my challenges, and that I was nestled in the arms of his love.

Note: Government leaders, and many that follow them are endeavoring to rid Christ from our beloved country. In view of what he does for us, we cannot, we will not allow it. Every one of us is touched daily, even with every breath we take, by his matchless power. Let us recognize what he does and has done for us, and have faith that he will deliver us. During the fight he will grant us the peace and comfort we seek if we will make him the center of our lives. LET'S DO THIS!