Where do we go after this life?
Why are we here?
Where did we come from?
These are the questions we consider in the times of our deepest reflection or in time of need.
Everywhere people are in a hurry. In a seemingly endless stream, and for a multitude of reasons we
rush about the business of the day. The trivial things we occupy our days with lose their significance
when times of crisis arise. At that point our thoughts become focused on the things that matter.
President Monson told the story of a woman who was preoccupied with cleaning her home, furnishing
it, visiting her hairdresser, and spending money adding to her wardrobe each month. Her grandchildren
were invited to visit only infrequently because what she considered at the time to be her ‘precious
possessions’ might be broken or ruined. Preoccupied that is until she received the shocking news that
her mortal life was in jeopardy and that she might have a very limited amount of time left. She knew
immediately with her diagnosis that things needed to change, that her remaining time would be spent
with her family and friends and with the gospel at the center of her life…that was really what was most
precious to her.
The Savior said “Lay not up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and
where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven… For where your
treasure is, there will your heart be also”. Happiness, true happiness comes from serving others, with
the gospel at the center of our lives.
So why are we here? Some of the answers from the sisters in the room were
To be tested
To use our agency
It’s a learning experience
To form relationships
To obtain a body
To become like Christ
Part of God’s plan is that we endure to the end. Although we come into mortality “trailing clouds
of glory,” life moves relentlessly forward. Youth follows childhood, and maturity comes ever so
imperceptibly. From experience we learn the need to reach heavenward for assistance as we make our
way along life’s pathway. We have to be committed to endure, and we have to always be on guard so
we aren’t swayed off our path. We know that if we endure to the end our reward is eternal life and to
live with God.
Sister Murdock compared enduring to the end to a marathon. When running a marathon you have
to work hard; climb hills, run down alleys, there are a lot of aches and pains associated with running a
marathon. Then as you’re wondering whether you can make it to the end you see people you know
cheering you on, you get a rush of adrenalin, and you can see the end. You cross the finish line to the
cheers of hundreds of people.
Life is like multiple marathons; sometimes just as you finish one, another one presents. We need to
remember the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong. The prize belongs to him who
endures to the end. But President Uchtdorf reminds us enduring to the end isn’t to suffer. Blessing we
receive along the way, and in the end are the metals we receive. The greatest of all being eternal life.
We were sent to earth with divine attributes to guide our journey. Jesus Christ is our exemplar. His life
was difficult in almost every way, yet He endured to the end. Christ marked the way to perfection.
That doesn’t mean we can expect things to be easy. Should the Lord protect the righteous? No, our
trials, if endured through faith, make us stronger. If everything came easy what reason would we have
to be righteous and strive to return to our Heavenly Father?
Joseph Smith counseled us to remember; “Whatever God requires is right, no matter what it is, although
we may not see the reason thereof till long after the events transpire.”
President Uchtdorf counseled; “We would do well to slow down a little, focus on the significant & truly
see the things that matter most.”
Sister Murdock closed her lesson by referring back to the questions asked at the beginning. We don’t
need to wonder about these questions, we just need to follow the commandments and do the things we
know need to be done. We want the metals of life.
We closed by singing, When Faith Endures
I will not doubt, I will not fear;
God’s love and strength are always near.
His promised gift helps me to find
An inner strength and peace of mind.
I give the Father willingly
My trust, my prayers, humility.
His Spirit guides; his love assures
That fear departs when faith endures