Every day you may make progress. Every step may be fruitful. Yet there will stretch out before you an ever-lengthening, ever-ascending, ever-improving path. You know you will never get to the end of the journey. But this, so far from discouraging, only adds to the joy and glory of the climb.
– Sir Winston Churchill
Reaching out to any goal we have will be a journey. We will never quite obtain perfection in this life. If we want to learn to paint, we could become very good, even a master. . . but ever before us, just out of reach is the one step better. None of us can equal the Creator, but the feeling of taking that next step, and then the next toward ultimate perfection is exhilarating!
Can you imagine for one moment if it wasn’t so? What if there were a level that we could obtain, and from there we could move on no further? What would we have left to strive for? Our spirits were sent to this life to learn and grow and reach toward perfection like our Father. Our souls yearn for it.
And the one who didn’t like this plan, who didn’t want anyone to have to reach and strive, he’s still trying to convince us that it’s no use. He hasn’t stopped telling us that it’s too hard, and not fair. He teaches us to be discouraged at the path ahead, instead of excited for the opportunities it will provide us.
Fitness goals are no different. Some days I take huge strides, and others I crawl along, dragging myself. The point is that I stay on the path. I can’t let discouragement rob me of the strength I get from doing difficult things!
Look at the beautiful road, and think of what a blessing it is to have the opportunity to become more like our Father, no matter HOW difficult the climb. Don’t ever forget that sometimes a tiny step is really a huge leap on that path, because it makes us so much stronger.
And never, ever forget that Someone gave His life so that he could walk along that path with us and pick us up when we fall, if only we will ask. We’re never alone, and when we remember that I think we truly find joy in our journey.
You are stronger than you think. Your Heavenly Father, the Lord and Master of the universe, is your Creator. When I think of it, it makes my heart leap for joy. Our spirits are eternal, and eternal spirits have immeasurable capacity!
– Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin (Finding a Safe Harbor)
