I know a wonderful family that are perfect examples of everything this blog is about. They are a loving and caring family, and although they have horrendous trials of their own, they accept them and work through them with such character. On a recent post of this dear mother and wife, she wrote these words:
"Made me grateful that ours is a unifying trial.
Because I know that some trials are not."
Because I know that some trials are not."
I reflect on these words often, and this morning I thought about this wife's particular attitude towards the trial that their family has been going through, that started not too long after they were married. I wondered if it was the trial that was unifying, or if it was their attitude towards the trial that was unifying. It brought my mind to a recent General Conference talk of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
In the April 2010 Conference, Elder Donald L. Hallstrom spoke of how we respond to our trials. (I would encourage you to listen or read the entire talk.)
Elder Hallstrom spoke of many good and bad examples of how individuals, families and couples chose to respond to their given trials. One that stood out was the many trials and tribulations that the Prophet Joseph Smith went through. He said:
"Joseph's confidence in overcoming constant opposition, was based on his ability to continually turn to the Lord."
Elder Hallstrom encouraged us when we have a trial to:
"Without delay, turn to the Lord. Exercise all of the faith you have in him. Let him share your burden. Allow his grace to lighten your load."
This is exactly why this wonderful family, through heartbreaking circumstance and an unknown future, can continue to experience joy together daily and most importantly be unified. Even days that are extra hard. I know there could be many many different endings to each hurdle they face. But it is becuase of how they CHOOSE to respond that unifies them.
This is what family life, including marriage, is all about. We must work through our trials together. The Lord doesn't expect us to do it alone. That is why we have so many tender mercies, the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and most importantly, the atonement.
Elder Hallstrom also suggested that:
"No matter the size of the issue, how we respond can reset the course of our life."
As we respond to our trials with faith and unity, we will be strengthened and we can experience more joy and peace as a family and marriage unit.
May we learn from these great examples and choose to make our trials a unifying one.
