The Power of Dilligence

Spring time for me meant one big thing growing up, going on a long hike on the Apalation Trail. Some of my fondest memories were made as a group of my best friends would cram into a small bus or van, and drive 2 hours up to the mountains. It would normally be very hot, humid, by the time we got there. Everyone knew that the ride up would be the last chance for a good nap, especially since none of us could sleep well the night before. However, that knowledge would often times be brushed to the side as we told jokes, munched on candy, and enjoyed each others company. The first day would be hard to adjust to, but also the easiest because we were fresh, did not have any pains or doubts about the journey. As the hike progressed, I remember one year in particular the trip got increasingly difficult to complete. What was really funny was that the boy who had planned the route we would take could not make the trip with us for some reason that I cannot recall.(we teased him about that when we got home) We had decided to take a day trip without are packs, climbing down further and further into a valley surrounded by trees. What we did not realize is we would have to climb up where we had just come from using a fire road that was at the bottom of the decent. The 4 of us climbed, got really tired, then climbed some more. Just when we thought we wouldn't make it out alive, we reached the top, took a deep breath. The last day of the trip we climbed another steep mountain, with much the same results of the first. It was tall, the road was long, and when we reached the top our view was clouded by thick fog which encircled the valley. To make matters worse it stated to rain  and we ended up getting picked up at around two in the morning. Through all of it I learned we may not be able to see the  end from the beginning, we may not feel like we have the power to complete our journey, but our challenges make us strong, give us the power to be diligent, never giving up. Without the climb we would never grow. Without opposition, we would never know how good it would feel to finally succeed, to complete our journey. In the Book of Mormon their are many battles that were fought. One in particular states "that the 2060 soldiers were firm and undaunted. They did obey every command with exactness, and it was done unto them according to there faith."(Alma57:20-21) Even though they were about to fall, they trusted in God still, and he delivered them.  Many times in our journeys we will face hard trial, "but the wind have gone forth out of his mouth,and also the rains and floods he has sent. The Lord says I will prepare you against these things;for you cannot cross the great deep save I prepare you."(Ehter 2:24-25) The many mountains and hills we have to cross in life will prepare us to meet additional trials, will shape the person we become if we meet them with faith, trust in God, and never give up. I know he lives, that he has a plan for each of us, that he loves us, and wants us to grow and find joy in the journey.