"...thou hast done this with such unwearyingness..." (Helaman 10:5)

I just want to point out a cool word I came across in the Book of Mormon. Unwearyingness. The definition for weary is "exhausted in strength, endurance, vigor, or freshness" (Merriam-Webster). So, to be unweary is to have strength and endurance- to be able to continue forward without tiring. Another way to describe being unweary is to be dedicated and committed to what you are doing.

Nephi is described as being unweary. As you read these verses, I invite you to personalize it, asking the Lord to reveal to you what you have done "with unwearyingness".  Or perhaps ask what you might do "with unwearyingness":

"Blessed art thou, [insert your name], for those things which thou hast done; for I have beheld how thou hast with unwearyingness declared the word, which I have given unto thee, unto this people. And thou hast not feared them, and hast not sought thine own life, but hast sought my will, and to keep my commandments. And now, because thou hast done this with such unwearyingness, behold, I will bless thee forever; and I will make thee mighty in word and in deed, in faith and in works; yea, even that all things shall be done unto thee according to thy word, for thou shalt not ask that which is contrary to my will" (Helaman 10:4-5). 

Here is a summary of what Nephi did with unwearyingness:
- declared the word, which was given him from God, to the people
- did not fear the people
- did not seek his own life (sometimes we have to give up the life we think we are "supposed to have", which can then free up the way for God to give us the life He is preparing for us, even eternal life)
- he kept the commandments of God

Here is a brief summary of the blessings Nephi received because of his unwearyingness:
- blessed forever
- made mighty in word
- made mighty in faith
- made mighty in works
- all things should be done unto Nephi according to God's word. In other words, anything Nephi asks of God will be done because Nephi would not ask anything that would be contrary to the will of God.

Life is not always perfect. Often, it is filled with adversity, trials, pain and suffering. But these experiences need not stall us or make us weary in well doing (see Galatians 6:9). Rather, God wants a powerful people (see Sheri Dew's talk about this). God gives us the strength to do all things (Philippians 4:13) and He provides a way for us to do all things that we are commanded to do (see 1 Nephi 3:7). I know God will bless you and guide you as you seek the spiritual gift of unwearyingness. This I testify.

This is a video of the Tabernacle singing: If the Way Be Full of Trial, Weary Not

These are the words for the chorus:

"Do not weary by the way,

Whatever be thy lot;

There awaits a brighter day,

To all, to all who weary not."

"Wherefore, be not weary in well-doing, for ye are laying the foundation of a great work. And out of small things proceedeth that which is great" (D&C 64:33)

I have become very aware of the fact that most of my days have a similar ring or flare to them. I do scripture study, I exercise, I help my family, laundry always piles up. I make dinner and pretty much I do these same activities every day. So when someone asks how are things going or what's new, I think, nothings new and everyday is pretty much the same. I do like it when things are calm and life is pretty predictable. I like that I can count on only having to deal with small bumps in the road during the day (most of the time, so that when the big bumps come I am more prepared). But sometimes I think that I am hardly doing anything and when I had that thought today this scripture came clearly to my mind and truly touched my heart: "Wherefore, be not weary in well-doing, for ye are laying the foundation of a great work. And out of small things proceedeth that which is great" (D&C 64:33). Even though I didn't do anything different or out of the ordinary I realized that I am doing good. And that's great!

When we feel like our days are the same and we aren't making any difference, remember, it is out of the small things that great things happen (see Alma 37:6). When the laundry keeps piling up (and it does) and the dinners might seem like the same old recipes (and they are) and the time driving our children here and there and everywhere seems to take up all our "spare" time (and it does) remember that we are "well-doing" and we are "laying the foundation of a great work". God's children, our families, and our relationships that span the eternities is the great work! God wants us to be together forever. When we take the time to fold clothes with our children and listen to them, gather together for dinner and share about our day, or listen in the car about what they are interested in or perhaps frustrated with, we are laying the foundation of a great work, even the great work of an eternal family. As Paul said to the Galatians, "And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not" (Gal. 6:9).

Today was pretty similar to all my other days. And you know what? It was a day of great work and I am so grateful I got to spend my time "in well-doing". Keep up the great work! You're doing amazing things. This I testify.

I got to hang out while my son put together...well-doing.

Putting on the rain cover

Hammock hung and son inside...great work!