Today's Favorite Verse: Joshua 13:1

Today's Favorite Verse: Joshua 13:1
"Now Joshua was old and stricken in years; and the LORD said unto him, Thou art old and stricken in years, and there remaineth yet very much land to be possessed."

I can't even imagine how Joshua must have felt. You're old, stricken in years and told there is much land to be possessed. Which isn't a simple matter of walking in, they have to fight for it. Basically there is no rest. It made me think of my birthday tomorrow, and how I feel like I've slowed down so much this past year. I can't even imagine turning 101 years old like President Nelson tomorrow. As I pondered on all this I thought of purpose. Even though I am older its the purpose and the need to get things done that keeps me going. You really can never stop. The difference is you focus on what's important and devote the energy you have to that. It reminded me of a story Elder Bednar related about Elder Robert D. Hales.

"Several years ago I spent a Sunday afternoon with Elder Hales in his home as he was recovering from a serious illness. We discussed our families, our quorum responsibilities, and important experiences.
At one point I asked Elder Hales, “You have been a successful husband, father, athlete, pilot, business executive, and Church leader. What lessons have you learned as you have grown older and been constrained by decreased physical capacity?”
Elder Hales paused for a moment and responded, “When you cannot do what you have always done, then you only do what matters most.”
I was struck by the simplicity and comprehensiveness of his answer. My beloved apostolic associate shared with me a lesson of a lifetime—a lesson learned through the crucible of physical suffering and spiritual searching."
(Elder David A. Bednar, "Chosen to Bear Testimony of My Name", Oct 2015 General Conference)

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