Today was fast and testimony meeting at church and it seems that the common theme in my ward is that January was a rough month all the way around. I can include myself in that, but I know that things get better. Even on the really hard days Heavenly Father is there and knows everything that we are going through. I am so grateful for that and for the opportunities I have to go to church and the temple. Having the knowledge that I have, that Christ suffered for our sins, that through the atonement we can live with our families forever, and that through prayer we can get through anything, is a great comfort. Knowing that Heavenly Father doesn't give us challenges that we can't get through, and that He gives the hardest challenges to his strongest followers is such an amazing thing. I know that every challenge that is placed in my path is put there to teach me something and to help me grow to be a stronger person. Growing in the gospel is a journey, and in the big picture, I've only just begun this journey. I will be learning and growing and developing my whole life. If there ever comes a day where I stop this, I can only hope that there is someone there to snap me out of it and to help me start growing again.
One of the sisters in my ward shared the following poem today and I think it is a great reminder to keep going even when it seems like everything, and everyone, is pushing against us. It's called "It's in the Valleys I Grow":
Sometimes life seems hard to bear,
Full of sorrow, trouble and woe
It’s then I have to remember
That it’s in the valleys I grow.If I always stayed on the mountaintop
And never experienced pain,
I would never appreciate God’s love
And would be living in vain.I have so much to learn
And my growth is very slow,
Sometimes I need the mountain tops,
But it’s in the valleys I grow.I do not always understand
Why things happen as they do,
But I am very sure of one thing.
My Lord will see me through.My little valleys are nothing
When I picture Christ on the cross
He went through the valley of death;
His victory was Satan’s loss.Forgive me Lord, for complaining
When I’m feeling so very low.
Just give me a gentle reminder
That it’s in the valleys I grow.Continue to strengthen me, Lord
And use my life each day
To share your love with others
And help them find their way.Thank you for valleys, Lord
For this one thing I know
The mountain tops are glorious
But it’s in the valleys I grow!
