This past week we have been studying in the Book of Mormon about the trials and tribulations of Lehi’s family while being led in the wilderness. One particular set of verses are some of my favorite, and this year in studying them, were still ones that stood out to me. 

They are found in 1 Nephi 17:1-3. I will quote some of what is written. ”…And we did wade through much affliction in the wilderness; and our women did bear children in the wilderness. And so great were the blessings of the Lord upon us … our women … were strong like unto the men … And thus we see that … if it so be that the children of men keep the commandments of God He doth nourish them, and strengthen them, and provide means whereby they can accomplish the thing which He has commanded them; wherefore, He did provide means for us while we did sojourn in the wilderness.”

In several other places it speaks about all the people, this one just happens to be about the women specifically, and it talks about the trials the hardships in the chapters leading up to that point. But, I think it illustrates the point well. They went through trials. Just because they relied on the Lord doesn’t mean they didn’t have trials. But one of the purposes of those trials was to strengthen them physically and spiritually so that they could continue on.

You have probably heard the saying, you can’t have the roses without the thorns. I don’t think it’s that you can’t, but do you appreciate the roses without the thorns. Do we appreciate the things we have, the good times, the opportunities, the strength if we don’t have the hard times to contrast the easy ones. 

In seminary one day we were talking about strengthening your body. We have several boys that lift weights. We talked about how it would be if we could just all be fit without really trying. Several of the young men agreed though, that if it was easy, what would be the point. It is through the struggle that you get better, through the struggle that you achieve, and through the struggle that you gain an appreciation for how far you’ve come.

There is so much joy in this world. But there are so many people who struggle to find the joy. I think one of the reasons for that is because on the other hand, they don’t want to have difficulties in their lives either. They orchestrate their lives in such a way that there is little to no resistance. And then they spend their free time pursuing “happiness.” But I believe true joy, true happiness comes in the contrast, and the deeper the contrast, the greater the joy. 

We don’t have to experience huge loss, huge failure, huge sadness to feel great joy, sometimes we can experience and appreciate through other’s experiences as well. But we have to get out of ourselves in order to truly see others and their struggles, often we have to help and serve others to truly see and appreciate. Trials are never fun, but it is through trials that we can experience the greatest joy. I don’t want extra trials, but I do appreciate the ones that I have had, and the lessons that I have learned.