Right before moving from Colorado, I had the opportunity to spend some time with a good friend of mine. As we were about to leave, she wanted me to have one of her silver acorns. She earned this silver acorn after completing radiation therapy. As a gift she wanted me to remember that we are both much stronger than we sometime feel like we are.
(necklace made from silver acorn given by friend in Colorado)
This acorn means a lot to me, as not only does this hold special symbolic value, but also is a piece of her. The acorn is the symbol of strength and power. The acorn 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.
(1st hand drawn oak tree drawn using carbon pencils)
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 states this 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.
The gospel reminds that, while struggling the most, to carefully strive not punish ones selves and this is once again reinforced in the song “You Are Loved “ that one must 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 of Eternal Life in mind and 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, while fighting to keep going, are the ones that will be most cherished and remembered.
This happens knowing that there will always be another mountain to climb and conquer. There will be battles lost and battles won. 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 most important key elements to gain strength and endurance. This is because everyone discovers he or she is truly loved far more than can be imagined by a loving Father in Heaven.
As “The Climb” reminds us it, “Ain't about how fast I get there, Ain't about what's waiting on the other side. It's the climb, yeah!” Finally, 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. Through the trials, each mountain climbed and conquered, the accord takes root that much deeper. Before one realizes, the acorn begins growing into the strong and might oak tree, showing the effects of endurance turning into mighty strength.
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