"Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, vision cleared, ambition inspired, and success achieved."
-Helen Keller
CHARACTER IS BUILT SLOWLY, THROUGH MUCH TIME AND EFFORT.
Recently, I've undertaken the task of running a half marathon (13.1 miles.... All at once). Saturdays we have our long runs and there's always a we involved. And usually I'm physically exhausted the rest of the day. I'm fine the next day, after a full night's rest, but the day I run.... I literally cannot push myself.
This morning as we were running, we took a route that had no street lamps and it made the run feel much longer than it was... I kept thinking of this awesome parallel to life. How much easier life is when the way is lit, and how hard it is when it's not. Then I thought of how much easier it seemed to be with friends. Especially during those dark times. I was taken back to all my awkwardness after baby number 3, when I felt avoided and thought less of because my struggles seemed to get the best of me. Perhaps I think of this time in my life so much because it was sort of a turning point for me. I learned what kind of friend I wanted to be. Running with those awesome ladies reminded me of this. During life's perilous and dark times it is better to have a loved one with you than be alone.
The other parallel..... Since I'm training for a half, I'm constantly reminded of how slow I am. There is no way to cut corners in training without serious, physical ramifications. You really have to add mileage only one week or so at a time, and speed comes through constantly pushing yourself past your threshold. AND the key to improving is to take breaks/rest days to let your body heal from all the work.
Parallel time. Character is built much the same way, as are patience, long suffering, faith, testimony and many other principles and self mastery. In order to improve and grow we must literally engage in the action or principle of desired improvement. You're not gonna wake up one day and be able to just be an awesome person. (Unless you're me ;) it takes constant, diligent, slow effort and far more time than anyone has patience for. And growth comes once we've been pushed or push ourselves past our threshold and then take the time to reflect and ponder the lesson in our trials.
One thing I've learned is that change doesn't happen over night. Faith isn't acquired in a day. In order to build solid faith or character, built on correct principles, you have to live those principles. You cannot expect to make it to the finish line if you're not even stepping in the right direction.
I'm always intrigued when people think that same actions can yield different results. If I want to look like a runner, I need to run. If I want to conquer a half marathon, I need to train. If I want my Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ to know I love them, I need to keep the commandments and love those around me. If I want to have good character I need to BE good.
Tomorrow is Sunday. Time to start anew!
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