In All Times, In All Things, and in All Places

From May Ensign: In All Times, In All Things, and in All Places

Several years ago, I had the opportunity to run the Boston Marathon. I had trained hard and felt I was prepared, but at mile 20 there are hills. The locals call the steepest and longest hill Heartbreak Hill. When I reached that point, I was physically spent. The hill was long, and because I was a novice, I allowed myself to do something no seasoned runner ever does—I started to think negatively. This slowed my pace, so I tried to think positively and visualize the finish line. But as I did this, I suddenly realized that I was in a big city, there were thousands of people lining the route, and I had not made any arrangements to locate my husband at the end of the marathon. I felt lost and alone, and I started to cry. I was wearing a big red T-shirt with the word Utah printed on the front in big block letters. As the spectators saw that I was crying, they would yell, “Keep going, Utah.” “Don’t cry, Utah.” “You’re almost finished, Utah.” But I knew I wasn’t, and I was lost. I also knew that even if I stopped running and dropped out of the race, I would still be lost.
Do any of you ever feel like you’re running up Heartbreak Hill and that even though there are people lining the route, you are alone? That’s how I felt. So I did what every one of you would do—I began to pray right there on that marathon route. I told Heavenly Father that I was alone and that I was on a hill. I told Him that I was discouraged and afraid and that I felt lost. I asked for help and strength to be steadfast and to finish the race. As I continued to run, these words came into my mind:
Fear not, I am with thee; oh, be not dismayed, For I am thy God and will still give thee aid. I’ll strengthen thee, help thee, and cause thee to stand, Upheld by my righteous, omnipotent hand. Hymns,
That sweet answer to my prayer gave me the strength to continue on until I crossed the finish line. And despite my fears, my husband was right there and all was well.
That day I experienced more than a marathon. I learned some important lessons. First of all, never wear a big red shirt with the word Utah printed on it. Second, I learned that no matter how well prepared you think you are, there are hills on the course. I learned that people cheering for you along the way are absolutely essential. I learned again that day that we are never alone. Our Heavenly Father is only a prayer away, and the Holy Ghost is within whispering distance.

Be Still My Soul

This past fall while I was pregnant with our second child, Kellen, it seemed that everything that could go wrong did go wrong. If it wasn’t the refrigerator breaking down it was the car, etc, etc. One day while I was eight months pregnant I got a letter announcing that our medical insurance rates would be increasing by a large amount. At this point I had had it and I just broke down. I began to pray and plead with Heavenly Father that He would help us find a way to make things work and that He would also comfort me during this time. After my prayer I put in a CD of some piano music that my friend had made. I pressed play and the very first song that came on was “Be Still My Soul”. As I listened to the piano music into my mind came the words, be still my soul, the Lord is on thy side. I felt my spirit and body begin to relax. I had a strong reassurance that Heavenly Father heard my desperate prayer and knew of our struggles. He knew at that very moment I needed to feel His spirit more than anything. As I sat on the floor sobbing I felt the worry and anguish melt away and hope fill my heart. Heavenly Father had, in essence, given me a big “Spiritual Hug”. Every time I think of that experience I am reverenced and I marvel to know that Heavenly Father knows us individually. I know that in our time of need Heavenly Father will bless and comfort us by sending His spirit.