Patience

“In the crucible of earthly trials, patiently move forward and the Savior’s healing power will bring you light, understanding, peace, and hope” (Elder Neil L. Andersen, “Wounded,” Ensign Nov. 2018, 85).

The day of my wedding, we were setting up the cultural hall and mom brought in a quilt that had been made by many of my mom’s friends that I had once known. She wanted to display the gorgeous quilt for the reception and needed me to procure an easel. I wasn’t familiar with the building. My brand new in-laws had arranged for the use of the building and they weren’t there. I didn’t want to feel awkward and track down that stupid easel, but mom insisted that it wouldn’t be a big deal to just make a few phone calls and get an easel. What ensued was a typical mother/daughter argument, me in tears, and trying to compose myself and not be red-eyed for wedding pictures.

More than 25 years later, I was preparing for my mom’s funeral at her church building. I had brought some of her pictures and a quilt top to display. The irony was not lost on me, as I searched for someone that had keys to the materials center so I could get an easel.

My sisters and I have been talking of my mother frequently since her passing just five weeks ago. There has been a lot of talk about how patient mom was, and how we can develop patience and become more like her. I don’t know that I would have thought of my mom as patient on the day of my wedding, but I would tell you that it was definitely something that she developed.

Patience is defined as “the capacity to endure delay, trouble opposition, or suffering without becoming angry, frustrated, or anxious. It is the ability to do God’s will and accept His timing. When you are patient, you hold up under pressure and are able to face adversity calmly and hopefully” (Preach My Gospel: A Guide to Missionary Service, rev. ed. [2019], 126).

While developing patience takes time (I’d love to have patience now *ironic grin*), I saw immense patience as she endured the last five years with cancer. I never heard a complaint, or a “why me” attitude as she endured many different types of chemos and treatment. In fact, she once talked with me about the many blessings of having cancer. She was content to accept her trial and leaned on God for guidance and understanding, hoping for a sweet end as she returned to her Father in Heaven, parents, and grandmother.

I want to be like my mom. Until then, I will “patiently move forward” finding the “Savior’s healing power [which] will bring [me] light, understanding, peace, and hope” (Elder Neil L. Andersen, “Wounded,” Ensign Nov. 2018, 85).