Today is the official mark of winter. In thinking of it, while I sit in my warm house with plenty of food and heat and all the comforts, I cannot help but think of the pioneers. Is that strange to ponder about at this time of year? Surely I should be thinking of Christmas things. But there you have it--my mind likes to go off on tangents.
The Mormon pioneers left their homes in Nauvoo, Illinois after being driven out by mobs of angry, ignorant men. The pioneers had little in the way of preparation to face the coming months as they traversed the frozen Mississippi River and made camp in Winter Quarters.
Children were born ... and some died. Along with mothers and fathers and grandmothers and grandfathers. Still, the faithful Saints kept moving forward, looking with faith to a new land where they could practice their religion without fear.
They sang; they prayed; they buried their dead. And then they took up the reins of their oxen (those who were fortunate enough to have wagons) and began again, putting one foot in front of the other.
When I get discouraged, depressed, I think of their example and remind myself that I, too, can put one foot in front of the other and keep moving forward.
Joy for today: learning from pioneers.
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