“Men (and women) should not suffer reverses and unpleasant circumstances to sour their natures and render them fretful and unsocial at home, speaking words full of bitterness… to their wives and children, creating gloom and sorrow in their habitations, making themselves feared rather than beloved by their families.”~Brigham Young
“For a couple who have basked in the sunshine or each other’s love to stand by and see the clouds of mis-understanding and discord obscure the lovelight of their lives is tragedy indeed.”~David O. McKay
A main reason for our coming to this mortal existence is to learn to face trials and overcome, or live with them, cheerfully. Sometimes, seemingly often for some, challenges, difficulties, reversals, disappointments are ‘the stuff of life’, even family life. A study of history and scripture reveals that this is a pattern in the lives of many who go on to lead, in righteousness, their fellow men. Many if not most of mankind’s greatest leaders came from families living the way no others would want. Such lives were not easy, so in becoming what is our potential, we should accept ‘the plate’ the Lord has given us so we ‘Come What May and Love It‘ (a talk with abundant wise counsel for difficult times from Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles) Enduring relationships require work and patience of all involved, sometimes intensively so. Nothing is learned, there is no growth, in the give up approach, but admittedly both partners of a marriage have to be in serious commitment, knowing challenges even excruciating ones await… along with wonderful blessings for those who pursue the patient and loving path to make it so. kdm
