I Can Do Hard Things

Have you ever just felt like you are stuck, struggling, and don't know which way to go? I've been feeling like that this week. I had the opportunity this week to go visit with some clients from work and it's about a 45 minute drive each way. So, I really had the chance to try to focus and recenter my thinking. There have been so many emotions and frustrations these last few weeks (not to mention this entire frustrating fertility journey). As I was listening to music, this song by my friend's band popped up in the mix.





What I loved while listening was remembering that I'm not alone. There are others who have had these exact same feelings. It's not unusual in this life to feel completely out of control. It is not a feeling that I like. I like being presentable. I like knowing what's going on. I like to have a plan and I like planning the plan.


One of my favorite talks from April's General Conference this year is from President Nelson, "Revelation for the Church, Revelation for Our Lives." President Nelson shares times through his life where he turned to Heavenly Father for guidance and direction. He bore a beautiful testimony of how Heavenly Father has guided him throughout his life and continues to do so. Even through difficult times, President Nelson turned to his Father in Heaven. It was a simple and poignant moment for me that Sunday morning and every day since: I am never alone, I only need to remember to ask.


President Nelson said, "what will your seeking open for you? What wisdom do you lack? What do you feel an urgent need to know or understand? Follow the example of the Prophet Joseph. Find a quiet place where you can regularly go. Humble yourself before God. Pour out your heart to your Heavenly Father. Turn to Him for answers and for comfort." He also shared, "we can pray to our Heavenly Father and receive guidance and direction, be warned about dangers and distractions, and be enabled to accomplish tings we simply could not do on our own...we will be guided in matters large and small."


How comforting is it to know that the God who created this world is concerned about the little details of my life. Your life. Each of His children's lives. But the part that I need to focus on is how much my Heavenly Father loves me and cares about me. I have shared this with the kids I teach in Primary many times, and it's interesting how the lessons always seem to be more for me than them, that the simple Primary answers are the answers we need in our every day lives. The more I learn in the gospel the more I learn that the simplicity of the gospel is also what makes it complex and beautiful. There is nothing overtly complicated, there's nothing scary, there's no secret handshakes, hidden meanings. God is the same yesterday, today, and always and He is the same God in the Old Testament, the New Testament, the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine & Covenants, the Pearl of Great Price, and in the teachings of our modern prophets. He doesn't change.


"Pray in the name of Jesus Christ about your concerns, your fears, your weaknesses-yes, the very longings of your heart. And then listen! Write the thoughts that come to your mind. Record your feelings and follow through with actions that you are prompted to take. As you repeat this process day after day, month after month, year after year, you will 'grow into the principle of revelation,' President Nelson said. God DOES listen to us. We need to "stretch beyond [our] current spiritual ability to receive personal revelation...there is so much more that your Father in Heaven wants [us] to know."


"To those who have eyes to see and ears to hear, it is clear that the Father and the Son are giving away the secrets of the universe!" - Elder Neal A. Maxwell



That's why I decided to step outside of my comfort zone and share my thoughts, feelings, and journey. It definitely isn't an easy one (and something that I would never wish on anyone). One thing I have learned is that I am grateful for is my testimony and how much I am learning about myself. I can do hard things.


What quote has touched you and helped you during difficult times in your life?