"Come What May, and Love It"

Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin died yesterday in his sleep. He was 91. He went to his office up until Thanksgiving. He was a great servant of the Lord. His talks provided some great moments of inspiration through the years.

The talk he gave at the last General Conference was called "Come What May, and Love It." It gives wonderful counsel on dealing with adversity. One day after his team lost a football game, his mother gave him the counsel to come what may, and love it. "...in spite of discouragement and adversity, those who are happiest seem to have a way of learning from difficult times, becoming stronger, wiser, and happier as a result."

He shared the things he has learned over the years to help him through times of testing and trials...

1) Learn to Laugh - "The next time you’re tempted to groan, you might try to laugh instead. It will extend your life and make the lives of all those around you more enjoyable."

2) Seek for the Eternal - "Because Jesus Christ suffered greatly, He understands our suffering. He understands our grief. We experience hard things so that we too may have increased compassion and understanding for others.

Remember the sublime words of the Savior to the Prophet Joseph Smith when he suffered with his companions in the smothering darkness of Liberty Jail: 'My son, peace be unto thy soul; thine adversity and thine afflictions shall be but a small moment;

'And then, if thou endure it well, God shall exalt thee on high; thou shalt triumph over all thy foes.'

With that eternal perspective, Joseph took comfort from these words, and so can we. Sometimes the very moments that seem to overcome us with suffering are those that will ultimately suffer us to overcome."

3) The Principle of Compensation - "The Lord compensates the faithful for every loss. That which is taken away from those who love the Lord will be added unto them in His own way. While it may not come at the time we desire, the faithful will know that every tear today will eventually be returned a hundredfold with tears of rejoicing and gratitude."

4) Trust in the Father and the Son - "The Lord Jesus Christ is our partner, helper, and advocate. He wants us to be happy. He wants us to be successful. If we do our part, He will step in."

What great advice for all of us as we face the daily trials of life. What a great man and a great example. A great loss, but an eternal source of inspiration.

His eternal optimism (and love of football - even if it was that red team) is a great reminder that there is always something positive to look forward to. No matter what happens to throw me off today, tomorrow is another day and another opportunity to make the most of what is thrown in my path. I think I need to make "Come What May, and Love It" my new theme!!! (maybe someday I will have time to embroider that on a sampler... ha! ha!) Bless You for your wisdom Elder Wirthlin.