His mind is not as sharp and bright as it once was. It is hard to look at him and remember how he once was...full of life, laughter, and energy. All of that seems lost from him. It is hard to hold a conversation with him...he can't remember what was said ten seconds earlier...
As I was becoming frustrated, I went to pick up Jelly Bean from preschool. While waiting I saw my ensign magazine next to me. There was an article about hope, which led me to another article by Elder Ballard:
The Lord is in control. He knows the end from the beginning. He has given us adequate instruction that, if followed, will see us safely through any crisis. His purposes will be fulfilled, and someday we will understand the eternal reasons for all of these events. Therefore, today we must be careful to not overreact, nor should we be caught up in extreme preparations; but what we must do is keep the commandments of God and never lose hope!
...Please turn to Him if you are discouraged and struggling for direction in your life. Armed with the shield of faith, we can overcome many of our daily challenges and overpower our greatest weaknesses and fears, knowing that if we do our best to keep the commandments of God, come what may, we will be all right.
Of course that does not necessarily mean that we will be spared personal suffering and heartache. Righteousness has never precluded adversity. But faith in the Lord Jesus Christ—real faith, whole-souled and unshakable—is a power to be reckoned with in the universe. It can be a causative force through which miracles are wrought. Or it can be a source of inner strength through which we find peace, comfort, and the courage to cope...
Regardless of how desperate things may seem or how desperate they may yet become, please believe me, you can always have hope. Always."
(1992 October General Conference, The Joy of Hope Fulfilled, Sat. Afternoon Session - M. Russell Ballard)
So...hope on...journey on. All is not well today...but one day it will be.
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