A couple weeks ago, we had a lesson on pioneers. If you want to read the lesson simply click here. The lesson was about Pioneer heritage - focusing on faith and sacrifice. To be honest, I don't tend to find lessons about the pioneers all that exciting. It always seems to be the same stories over and over. This lesson, however, wasn't filled with stories but rather relating the pioneers physical trials to our spiritual trials. I listened, participated, and held a fussy baby throughout the entire lesson. The lesson ended and I went home. I didn't feel any amazing spiritual experience, and went about my day and week as usual. However, as the week progressed, my mind kept going back to these pioneers and the lesson that was taught. My thoughts were of amazement and admiration for their ability to keep going. They endured torture and persecution. They pushed themselves physically as they journeyed west. They dealt with sickness and buried loved ones. They finally arrive in Utah, and now had to work to build up their new lives. There wasn't a city waiting for them, it was a swamp land, it wasn't easy, but they kept going.
I can't imagine the hardships they went through, and I often wonder if they ever wanted to simply give up and quit? Was it worth it? For them it was. They didn't just want a better life for themselves, but for the generations to come. As I was walking around Salt Lake City, I was overcome with a sense of love and gratitude for those pioneers. Their heritage, hard work, and legacy can be felt throughout the city. Looking at this beautiful city, I am grateful they endured for me. Now my family and I get to appreciate living here and the beauty that surrounds us.
I have also come to realize that pioneers aren't just those who crossed the plains. My parents are modern day pioneers. In 1999, they gave each of their eight children a suitcase. We could fill our suitcase with the things that we wanted to take with us to California. I know it was hard for my parents to leave England, it was hard to find work that would support a family of ten, and it was hard not to turn around and go home. However, my parents kept going. The blessings that have come because of their unselfish sacrifice are countless.
I am not sure if any of my ramblings made much sense, but I just wanted to attempt to type out some of the thoughts that were rolling around in my head.
the church allows use of their images for use on personal blogs
here is the link to the picture - lds media library
No comments:
Post a Comment