Adversity

Adversity comes upon all in this life. I heard a story once about a mule who fell in a well. Upon finding the mule, the farmer decided the effort to get the mule out wasn't worth the well, so the farmer decided to bury both the mule and the well. Upon feeling the earth come down, the mule decided that rather than letting the dirty bury it, it would shake off the dirt and step up. After some time the mule is able to step out and over the ledge of the well. While the the story is fictional, the principle it teaches about adversity is invaluable. The only way the mule had out of the well was the dirt. It truly is our choices and how we handle adversity that enables us to become better. Without it would not be able to progress.
               -Sara

“On many days, doing what matters most will not be easy. It is not supposed to be. God’s purpose in creation was to let us prove ourselves. The plan was explained to us in the spirit world before we were born. We were valiant enough there to qualify for the opportunity to choose against temptation here to prepare for eternal life, the greatest of all the gifts of God. We rejoiced to know the test would be one of faithful obedience even when it would not be easy.”

                – President Henry B. Eyring, April 2007, General Conference: Sunday Afternoon Session

“When you take the path that climbs, that harder path of the Savior, there are rewards along the way. When you do something right, when you resist temptation, when you meet a goal, you will feel very good about it. It is a very different kind of feeling than you have when you violate commandments–an altogether different feeling. It brings a measure of peace and comfort and provides encouragement to press on.”

                -Elder Richard G. Scott "Finding the Way Back", Ensign, May 1990

“Life by the yard is hard; by the inch it’s a cinch. Each of us can be true for just one day–and then one more and then one more after that–until we’ve lived a lifetime guided by the Spirit, a lifetime close to the Lord, a lifetime of good deeds and righteousness.”

                -President Thomas S. Monson, "Believe, Obey, and Endure", Ensign, May 2012

“The purpose of mortality is to learn and to grow to be more like our Father, and it is often during the difficult times that we learn the most, as painful as the lessons may be. Our lives can also be filled with joy as we follow the teachings of the gospel of Jesus Christ.”

– President Thomas S. Monson, October 2012, General Conference: Sunday Afternoon Session

“By definition, trials will be trying. There may be anguish, confusion, sleepless nights, and pillows wet with tears. But our trials need not be spiritually fatal. They need not take us from our covenants or from the household of God.”

                -Elder Neil L. Anderson "Trial of Your Faith" Ensign, October 2012

“If life and its rushed pace and many stresses have made it difficult for you to feel like rejoicing, then perhaps now is a good time to refocus on what matters most.”

                -President Dieter F. Uchtdorf "Of Things That Matter Most", General Conference, October 2010

“I have found that, rather than dwelling on the negative, if we will take a step back and consider the blessings in our lives, including seemingly small, sometimes overlooked blessings, we can find greater happiness.”

                -President Thomas S. Monson "Consider the Blessings", Ensign, November 2012

“Like the intense fire that transforms iron into steel, as we remain faithful during the fiery trial of our faith, we are spiritually refined and strengthened.”

                -Elder Neil L. Anderson "Trial of Your Faith", Ensign, October 2012

“My dear young friends, when the captain of a long-range jet passes the point of safe return, and the headwinds are too strong or the cruising altitudes too low, he might be forced to divert to an airport other than his planned destination. This is not so in our journey through life back to our heavenly home. Wherever you find yourselves on this journey through life, whatever trials you may face, there is always a point of safe return; there is always hope. You are the captain of your life, and God has prepared a plan to bring you safely back to Him, to your divine destination.”

                -President Dieter F. Uchtdorf "Is There a Point of No Return?" New Era, June 2010

“Jesus suffered deeply because He loves us deeply! He wants us to repent and be converted so that He can fully heal us. When sore trials come upon, it’s time to deepen our faith in God, to work hard, and to serve others. Then He will heal our broken hearts. He will bestow upon us personal peace and comfort. Those great gifts will not be destroyed, even by death.”

                -Elder Russell M. Nelson "Jesus Christ, the Master Healer," Ensign, Nov. 2005