Climbing

Have you ever had an experience where you felt like you were climbing and climbing and there would never be an end to the climbing?  I know I have.  I was thinking about that today and a few things came to mind.  First, is the mountain you are climbing really big enough to keep going?  I mean, there are some problems that really are as big as they feel but, there are others that are tiny molehills.  The first step to figuring out how to handle the problem is to find out how big it is(that way you don't waste more energy than is necessary figuring it out).

The second thing I thought about was whether or not you actually need to keep climbing.  There are times when mountain climbers have to stop and rest for a while.  Sometimes they stop because they are tired.  Other times they stop because the weather is too bad or they need to be acclimated.  If you are tired from climbing, take a break.  Maybe you need to adjust to what is going on in the moment before moving on to the next incline.  Perhaps if you keep going things will only get messier and more complicated and problematic.  Make sure you really need to be climbing before you waste time doing so.

The third thing is that you always need to remember that there is an end to the mountain.  Sooner or later, you will reach the top.  You will stand on the peak and look out at all the beauty in front of you and behind you.  You will see how far you've come and how many obstacles you overcame.  There will be a feeling of accomplishment and great thanksgiving when you finally see all that you have done.

God says to us in Alma 26 that "when our hearts [are] depressed....behold, the Lord [comforts] us, and [says]:  Go...and bear with patience thine afflictions, and I will give unto you success."

Go and have patience.  Look at the mountain you are climbing and make sure you are doing what is needful.