There are days I wonder why I ever “shouted for joy” (Job 38:7) in the premortal existence. On the blackboard, the plan looked great. We were told that we would have challenges, but we were willing and wanting to come to earth. We were promised it would be worth it.
Like you, I have experienced adversity. Some trials have been small and have given me empathy and experience (Doctrine and Covenants 122:7), but others have been life-changing and have brought me to my knees. I have found strength and answers through praying earnestly, searching the scriptures, worshiping quietly in the temple, and receiving support from loved ones. But I have also found comfort and learning in the beautiful world of nature.
Nature can teach us valuable lessons about life
For over 40 years, our family lived close to the Rocky Mountains in southern Alberta. I still love to hike the incredible mountain trails with my family and friends. As we trek along, we often mention the various life lessons we learn from being in nature. “I feel a talk coming on!” is a favourite comment.
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One spring day, as we hiked across a grassy slope on the side of a snow-topped mountain, we came upon a quiet, meandering stream. We noticed that a huge boulder, sometime earlier, had slid into its path, thus changing the stream’s course forever. I, too, have had boulders come crashing into my life, sending me on an unexpected detour. But, like this gentle stream, we press forward, guided by our faith in the Lord, on a new path leading to a glorious end.
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Whenever I hike to high altitudes, I notice how barren the landscape becomes. And yet, I often see a little tree growing straight out of a cliffside or plants blooming among the rocks. These hardy trees and plants endure blasting winds, temperature extremes, lack of moisture and poor soil, but they survive. I think of stalwart people in my life who have been through trials of every kind, but they, too, have survived and even blossomed. Their roots are strong and deep, and through their learning experiences, their faith has become immovable. They inspire me!
When storms come, shelter can be found in Christ
A few years ago, I was hiking with friends in Glacier National Park in Montana. The weather was far from ideal as the wind was howling, and the scorching sun was beating down on us. The trail was rough and steep, and we were soon exhausted. As we continued our trek, we crossed a wide-open field of rock, and then, voila! To our amazement, we saw a small grove of pine trees. These marvellous trees provided much-needed shelter from the fierce winds, the relentless sun, the steep incline, and, incredibly, a sudden and powerful hailstorm that struck just minutes later. How thankful we were for the protection of these scraggly little trees!
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I have found when faced with life’s tempests, there are many “trees” that give me protection. I can heed the counsel of our prophets. I can pray earnestly and immerse myself in the scriptures, especially the Book of Mormon. I can find refuge in the temple and feel the power of keeping the covenants I have made there. These have been my shelters.
The covenant path is always uphill
This past summer, my hiking friends and I scrambled to the top of Rowe Peak in Waterton Lakes National Park in southern Alberta. Though I have climbed this peak several times in the past, this year it was especially grueling (I’ll blame it on age!) This hike is never a smooth climb or without much complaining (on my part), but we know the “360 view” at the top will make it wonderfully worth it. And the view was glorious in every direction.
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My life, like yours, has often been a difficult journey. There are rocks and cliffs in our way. We must detour at times to keep going forward. We get bruised and scratched from craggy outcroppings and thorny bushes. We often want to give up and ask ourselves, “Why is this so hard?” But along the way, we can and should stop to enjoy the vistas and the beauties we see and appreciate our blessings. And oh, the blessings at the end of our journey will make every struggle worth it. The 360 degree view of eternal life and being with our Heavenly Parents and our Elder Brother, Jesus Christ, are our greatest rewards.
Jesus Christ is always there to help and encourage us. He wants us to stay on the covenant path even when boulders seem to block our way. He wants us to keep our roots of faith deeply anchored when tough times batter us. He wants us to find refuge in the blessings and protection He has provided. And He wants us to “make it to the top” and live with Him eternally. Feeling His love for me through my experiences in the mountains, I feel strength, peace, solace and happiness.
President Russell M. Nelson said, “The Savior is never closer to you than when you are facing or climbing a mountain with faith” (in Conference Report, April 2021, 103). I’m so thankful for the Savior and this beautiful world that He created, which inspires me to draw ever closer to Him.