Why Do Hard Things?

In his General Conference talk this October, President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, Apostle of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, spoke of a nurse who cared for terminally ill patients. The regrets that these patients expressed in their final days of their mortal lives mainly fell into specific categories, which President Uchtdorf addresses. They are:

1. I wish I had spent more time with the people I love.
2. I wish I had lived up to my potential.
3. I wish I had let myself be happier.

As I pondered these regrets, common among those who knew they were at death's door, I had this thought:

Often, the things that we fail to do are things that are hard to do.

We rarely fail to eat enough sugar, or spend enough time watching TV, or spend enough money. We do not need to make New Years resolutions to do these things - they are easy to do. It is the hard things that we fail to do.

So why do hard things? Why not consign ourselves to a life of watching YouTube and browsing Facebook, while living in our parents' basement and chowing down on to-go food?

Hard things make us stronger. Things that are hard to do are often things that are worth doing. 

I learned a phrase from the people of El Salvador while I was living with them for 2 years as a missionary for my Church. It is this: "Lo que nada cuesta, nada vale." 

"That which costs nothing is worth nothing." 

Why do hard things? Because hard things are often worth doing! 

Why have a family? It is hard! 

Because it brings more joy than living a celibate life, when done in the way that God commands.

Why go to school? Why get a job? Why spend time helping and serving instead of relaxing?

Because it is worthwhile! It gives substance to our lives.

Jesus Christ invites us to "come" and "follow [Him]." Anyone who thinks this is an easy thing soon discovers that it is not. Following Jesus Christ is the most difficult thing that we can do. It is also the most valuable thing that we can do with our lives. It is the very purpose of our lives! God sent us here to test us, and to see if we would choose to follow Him! 

Do not be afraid to do hard things. Do not shrink from them. Remember God's promise to us, written by Paul:

"I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." Philippian 4:13.

So, do not fear. Do not shirk. Do not shrink. 

Just Do.
Act.
Follow Christ. 

We can do hard things.