Dear Friends,
With the beginning of another new year and feeling a renewed sense of motivation—particularly
because of all the recent inspiring changes and challenges from our dear prophet—I have
decided to take the opportunity throughout the coming months to not only set my usual physical
fitness goals but to also set specific spiritual fitness goals. As I began to make a list of the things
in both areas I wanted to accomplish throughout the year, a recent weightlifting workout with my
youngest daughter came to mind.
We had both just completed forty minutes of cardio—my daughter running on the treadmill
and me surviving on the elliptical. Needless to say, I was less than enthusiastic about lifting
weights. As we began our first repetitions, I asked her how many she thought I should do; her
response has turned into something of a new year’s motto for me: “Do as many as you can until you
feel like there is no way you could even do one more, and then do one more.”
I have thought of her advice repeatedly and how easily it can be applied to every aspect of my life, especially my spiritual
fitness goals—particularly on the days when I feel worn out, as if there is just no way I could do one more thing. Those few simple
words often remind me just how much love I could give and how much good I could do with one more phone call, one more visit, one
more text message, one more smile, one more hug, and one more kind word. They have also caused me to examine more closely my
relationship with the Savior . . . to readjust priorities and strive more earnestly to live the life He has sent me here to live and to make the
difference He sent me here to make.
Some years ago, I came across the following very powerful and profound words of Elder Neal A. Maxwell: “Genuine Latter-day
Saints clearly know who He is and, further, that building up His kingdom is what we are to do ‘first.’ No true disciple can be distant
from his master anyway: Christ alone marks the way perfectly. Amid life’s uncertainties, His summoning trumpet always gives a certain
sound. Meanwhile, the distracting and intruding things of the world press upon us. In their times and moments, these things are often
powerful, even prevailing, in the lives of many. These cares can preoccupy us, if we let them. Whatever these external tugs and pulls are,
however, and whatever their lures and perks, the things of the world do not compare to the adventure of discipleship, the trek of treks.
Furthermore, serious discipleship is ripe with joyful promise.”
During the first days of January, as we turn the pages of a new calendar, may we see more than the months and the days on paper.
Rather, let us see a call to action—a new year and another opportunity for serious discipleship. An adventure to strive more earnestly to
live our lives in such a way that we may hear the “certain” sound of His summoning trumpet. May we make a more determined effort to
walk away from the world and to be more valiant in our testimonies of Jesus Christ—He who marks the way perfectly, that each one of
us may enjoy the blessings of His joyful promise.
Happy New Year!
Susan Condie
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