“What Now?”
This past Sunday, we had our stake/regional conferences (the kind beamed to buildings in the region). President Monson, Elder Wirthlin and Elder Samuelson were our visiting leaders.
I wanted to share something simple but meaningful from Elder Wirthlin’s talk on enduring trials. To paraphrase, he said that rather than ask, “Why me?” we should instead ask, “What now?”
(Incidentally, when I called a friend of mine that afternoon, I could tell she had yet another migraine. I told her I was sorry and she simply said, “What now?” It took me a minute to make the connection. She is an example to me as one who endures her trials gracefully.)
I love short, simple statements like Elder Wirthlin’s to add to my reservoir of reminders - things to tell myself when I’m wont to wallow in self-pity.
What do you have tucked in your mental/spiritual reservoir that help you in difficult times?
September 14th, 2006 13:24
The thing I “tucked” away from this Sunday was President Monson’s awesome story about frog mudballs and his sister’s friends. They were “swimming” (quote-unquote) - best line I’ve ever heard a GA say. So awesome to see him “let his hair down” and tell some stories like he does so well.
September 14th, 2006 15:37
Yeah, that and the story about wiggling his ears for that front-row little guy. (And the way the camera missed that moment big time!)
(You must have gone to the afternoon session. Did you know that the morning session was completely different…only Pres. Monson’s talk, that is!)
September 14th, 2006 16:12
“No cross, no crown.” Something I found in a book about Quaker faith and practice–the idea is that we have communion with God through Christ’s atonement. When I’m down, it’s helpful. It reminds me that Christ suffered all things, and whatever I’m going through isn’t all that bad in comparison; it also reminds me that I do have the benefits of the atonement in my life.
September 14th, 2006 16:21
With faith in the Lord and His comfort, strength, and patience, it really is spectacular just how exponentially multiplied our ability to ‘cope’ is.
September 14th, 2006 22:13
Serenity Valley, thanks for sharing that. I can’t imagine what life would be without the knowledge we have.
Naiah. Amen.
September 14th, 2006 22:31
Cool. I’m going to be saying “What Now” all day tomorrow.
September 14th, 2006 23:21
Johnna, I hope that doesn’t mean you are having “Why me?” kinds of days.
I have to add that it was particularly touching to me to hear Elder Wirthlin talk in this way, shortly after he lost his wife. Surely he knows a new kind of grief and trial. And yet: ‘What now?’
Here’s a quip I like that ties in with my thoughts of that sweet, stooped man. “We must endure to the end until we are safely dead.” (Playing off of something Elder Ballard once shared.)
And one more, from my dad: “To struggle is the program.”
September 15th, 2006 05:44
What next?
September 15th, 2006 06:20
I didn’t hear Elder Wirthlin’s talk, but remember that someone once said the three most important questions we can ask are: “What?” (meaning what happened), “So what?” (how important is it?), and then the action question, “Now what?”
Too many wallow in the unhappiness created by some unfortunate event, spending emotional capital too long. This is not to say that some events cannot be life shattering, and deeply troublesome. But eventually, we have to accept and move on. Now what? indeed.
September 15th, 2006 07:32
I attended the same afternoon session, and yes that missed moment was so frustrating!!!!!!!!
I once heard a quote that stated “Will this matter in 400 years?” I think that is a great perspective for those many little trials we face and how we face them. After all this life is temporary and who will know 400 years from now. What matters is how we look on it in the present.
September 15th, 2006 09:14
Wow, there’s a Serenity, also?
September 15th, 2006 09:55
Eric,
Is that with a desperate tone or a “what should I do next” kind of question in the voice?
Serenity,
I like the way your questions add a little to what Elder Wirthlin said. Thanks for your thoughts.
Tanya,
Ah, yes. Three cheers for a little perspective.
Serenity Valley,
I guess that means it’s good I didn’t call you Serenity in my last comment. I almost did.
September 15th, 2006 10:34
In my most recent trials I have found that my questions have not been “Why me” but instead “Why NOW?” or “Why THIS”? In my moments of questioning and searching for understanding, my answers have not always been the most helpful at the moment but with time have been easier to understand and have sometimes spoken volumes….”To grow” and “Why not?”
September 20th, 2006 09:05
I attended the first session–although I was out half the time with my toddler (my husband was out the other half). I missed Elder Wirthlin’s talk almost completely, even though I tried to stand under the speaker in the foyer to hear.
My daughter and I sang as prelude to both sessions, so I could have stayed for the second. I was told, however, that the second was just a rebroadcast. Tell me more!
September 21st, 2006 21:50
Alison,
Seriously, if I get them typed up, I will post a link to my blog for you. Sound good?
I do hope to have my notes typed up sometime before the end of the year.