The Acorn and the Oak Tree

Just before leaving CO I was able to spend some time with a good friend of mine (Jade also got to see her best friend). Just before we left Julie wanted me to have one of her silver acorns. Julie earned one of her silver acorns after completing radation therapy. So as a gift she wanted me to remember that we are both much stronger than we sometime feel like we are.

This gift means a lot to me as not only is this special symbolic item, but also a piece of her. The acorn is the symbol of strength and power. The acron seed starts out very tiny and most are eaten for food, however few survive and grow into the might oak tree. Once matured the oak tree is a symbol of strength and endurance.

After listening to President Dieter F. Uchtdorf speak on the Glory and Marvel of God’s creations this talk fits also fits wonderfully with the acorn and mighty oak tree. First off learning to have patience is vitally important. Josh Groban says it best in his song, You Are Loved, “Don't give up, It's just the weight of the world, When you're heart's heavy, I...I will lift it for you.” When our trials seem our deepest and most burdensome, this is the time we need to work the hardest to be patience with ourselves and those around us.

While struggling the most please carefully strive not punish ones selves and never “give up, Because you want to burn bright, If darkness blinds you, I...I will shine to guide you.” Through increasing faith and hope, the Lord will help take these weaknesses and turn them in strengths.

Learning to be happy through struggles can be very challenging. The song sung by Miley Cyrus The Climb is a perfect example of facing these challenges because “Every step I'm taking, Every move I make feels, Lost with no direction, My faith is shaking. But I gotta keep trying, Gotta keep my head held high.” Through looking for the simple pleasures in life and keeping the goal in mind knowing that goal can be reached, will indeed increase the overall joy, and keep one from being knocked down as often. In addition, those memories of working to improve and keeping ongoing are the ones that will be cherished and remembered.

This happens knowing that there will always be another mountain to climb and conquer. There will be battles won and lost. However, life is not about how fast one completes the journey. Life is about discovering the simple joys along the way. Discovering love, friendship, patience, strength, endurance, happiness, and abilities throughout this journey are the key elements to strength and endurance. Finally most important is that everyone discovers he or she truly loved more than can be imagined by a loving Father in Heaven.

Because it “Ain't about how fast I get there, Ain't about what's waiting on the other side. It's the climb, yeah!” Also if through NOT giving up, the hurt will eventually leave, the soul will shine brighter than imagined, the weight of the world will be lifted, and individual love will be known.