Adversity is an amazing concept.  It’s a part of life.  It doesn’t mean that we’re bad, or weak, or hopeless.  It simply means that this world has been designed for us.  It is purposeful and necessary, and it has been developed specifically for us.  And apparently, adversity is not here by accident.  Elder Deter F. Uchtdorf wrote: “It is your reaction to adversity, not the adversity itself, that determines how your life-story develops.”   

So, when facing adversity, don’t make the mistake of misjudging who we are or what we may accomplish.  Most of all, don’t make important decisions from a fear-based perception.  We’re not here because we’re bad, or broken, or weak.  We’re here because we were, and still are, valiant children of Heavenly Father.  

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland wrote: “An old proverb says that a journey of a thousand miles begins with one step – so watch your step!” 

Each of us has a variety of gifts and abilities to be used throughout mortality, so don’t hesitate to use yours, don’t hold back, and don’t quit.  In fact, Martin Luther once wrote: “Even if I knew that tomorrow the world would fall to pieces, I would still plant my apple trees.”  With all of this in mind, I’m certain that we’re not done just yet.

Robert Fulghum must have been referring to this when he wrote in 1990: “All I really need to know is what I learned in kindergarten:  Share everything, play fair, and don’t hit people.  Put things back where you found them, clean-up your own mess, and don’t take things that aren’t yours.  Say you’re sorry when you hurt someone, wash your hands before you eat, and flush.  Warm cookies and cold milk are good.  Live a balanced life, take a nap every afternoon, and when you go out into the world watch out for traffic.  Hold hands, stick together, and be aware of wonder.”

Brothers and Sisters, we cannot become who we want to be by remaining where we are.  We’re in the midst of an essential journey.  So, may we be enthusiastic as we follow Elder Uchtdorf’s words when he wrote: “Be gatherers of Light.”