The Sun Rises Again and Again

Do you remember the line in the movie "Castaway", when Tom Hanks' character is talking to his friend about surviving for so long on the island. He said to himself each day, "I have to keep breathing, because tomorrow, the sun will rise. And who knows what the tide will bring". 

I've been thinking a lot about that one-liner during the trials we've faced over the past little while. We have had long hard days and dark nights, but every morning the sun rose again, shedding it's warmth and light over the earth, the animals, plants and people.

Because our trial is still ongoing and involves the Navy, I can't write the novel about it that I want to, only about some of the things we've learned.

The things I've learned are centered on the gospel. Imagine that, everything we go through can be made more brilliant by the teachings of Jesus Christ. I know this, I knew this two weeks ago, but I think I will now have it embedded in my heart very deeply.

One thing we've learned is that it pays to live the word of wisdom. When others have been accused and have admitted to intoxication on duty, my husband was able to say, "NO, I was not drinking. EVER."

Another thing I've learned is that prayers ascend to heaven quickly and are heard and acted upon by our Heavenly Father. We've had so many of our family and friends praying for us and we have literally felt the power and strength from these prayers.

Learned thing #3. The power of the priesthood is in our home and in our family and blesses our lives daily and even from our earthly fathers, who don't live in Virginia. The Lord gives powerful spiritual tender mercies when we don't have physical access to our parents and our siblings, who would otherwise be at our doorstep ready to assist in blessings and support.


Number 4. The relationship of Husband and Wife is powerful, a great blessing, and the most important relationship we have on earth. We need each other, we have to support and love each other and we absolutely must rely on the help of heaven to make this earthly relationship worthy and able to stand in the eternities.


Number 5. The sun will rise again and again. Even when the night brings fear, solitude and tears, the morning always comes and new blessings await. The SON is always there even in the dark, as we go to Him and put our trials at His feet, He has promised to be yoked WiTH us to walk through the trials with us.

Matthew 11: 28-30: "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."

Our burdens have been made light. We are getting some rest, in our souls and in our bodies. We saw blessings during the trial and continue to see them now that it's winding down. I know the things we've learned were given to us for a reason. Preparation is also a tender mercy of the Lord.


I am so thankful for the prayers of family and friends on our behalf. I'm thankful for the SON who gives us hope, faith and knowledge that the sun will rise again and again.