"...They did press their way forward, continually holding fast to the rod of iron..." 1 Nephi 8:30

This week has been a bit stressful to say the least. It is interesting to me to see what some people perceive as stressful and others do not. One person said to me, "What is the big deal, it's not that much." But the reason why they would say this is because they can only see a small portion of what I am dealing with and trying to accomplish or have to get done this particular week. Her view is limited because I have only shared a portion of my stress with her. I know I have done the same thing to other people with my limited view point. It is easy to judge how one should behave or respond to a situation with only a portion of the facts.

As my stress level has risen and I was not able to take a shower yesterday, (SO not like me because I love taking showers!) I realized that something needed to change today. So today, I set everything aside and went to the temple. And before I went, I took a shower. I love showering- I already said that- it is relaxing and warm and a place to think and ponder. And today the words to the Hymn, "Lord, I Would Follow Thee" Hymn#220 kept going through my head.

"Who am I to judge another

When I walk imperfectly?

In the quiet heart is hidden

Sorrow that the eye can’t see.

Who am I to judge another?

Lord, I would follow Thee."

You know, we have no idea what people are suffering or what they are going through. The reason they may swear at me or treat me poorly or whatever it may be, is because I may be the last thing on their list of bad things that day that they just couldn't deal with any more. I know the ideal is to be Christ like all of the time...and I wish I could be Christ like all of the time. But I am not- no one is. But the whole point of this life to to keep trying. We repent, which means we return or even better, we turn to God, and we keep trying. We never give up hope. And some days I am able to be nice when some one swears at me, and others...well, I come home and repent and try again the next time to be a little more patient and a little more kind or understanding.

Here is the scripture that makes me say, I can keep loving those who are having a bad day, and have hope for myself when I have a stressful and bad day:

"Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ,

having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men.

Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ,

and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father:

Ye shall have eternal life."2 Nephi 31:20

Isn't that awesome? A perfect brightness of hope- why? Because Christ and our Father in Heaven love us and are there for us. Love God by keeping His commandments. Love all men, not just the ones who are nice to me. Press forward because it's not easy, but it is worth it. I do know it is worth it. Through all the stress and all the "stuff" it is worth it. I have this quote on my pantry door by Elder James E. Faust. It says: "Look at everything though the lenses of eternity." It's all about perspective.

Life is good, and it can be hard, and it's worth it. And we are loved beyond comprehension!!! That's why we can press forward holding fast to the word of God- which is the iron rod.1 Nephi 15:23-24 This I testify.

P.S. Keep hanging on...it's worth it.