Patience during the Seasons and Famines of Life

(Published via Facebook August 28, 2020.)

A few days ago I was studying Helaman 11, where a severe famine sweeps across the land. Nephites and Lamanites did “perish by thousands”(v6) and the famine lasted for roughly two years. As the people began to recognize that the famine was a fulfillment of a dangerous prophecy, they “repented and did humble themselves in sackcloth”(v9).

With the peoples’ repentance and Nephi’s prayer in verses 10-16, relief and blessings eventually followed. In the third year of the famine, the prayers of the penitent were answered: “And it came to pass that in the seventy and sixth year the Lord did turn away his anger from the people, and caused that rain should fall upon the earth, insomuch that it did bring forth her fruit in the season of her fruit. And it came to pass that it did bring forth her grain in the season of her grain.”

While these chapters record time in years, not months, I’d like to think that the people didn’t immediately receive aid. Because verse 17 specifically says that the earth “did bring forth her fruit in the season of her fruit...It did bring forth her grain in the season of her grain.” It takes time for things to grow! For example, the average corn plant takes 60-100 days to reach maturity. Regardless of when the rains came, it still would’ve taken many weeks, if not months, for food to be produced. The peoples’ prayers were answered, but it took time. And if the rains didn’t come immediately, they would’ve had to have strong faith to handle the serious and pressing situation that they were in.

As acknowledged in the previous paragraph, earth has physical seasons: spring, summer, fall, winter. Each is distinct in its events, weather, and typical activities. Summer is known as a period of freedom and fun; winter is often considered dark and dreary. Life can have seasons, too. We will experience many summers--times where we enjoy immense light and happiness. However, there will also be times where we have to endure dark, cold, and lonely winters.

To me, most of this year has felt like one big frustrating season. Because just as earth’s seasons can be unpredictable, so can the seasons of life! Spring can come late; summer can be brief, and winter can last for months. We often don’t know when the snow will finally melt or if the excruciating heat will cease. And with a seemingly endless pandemic and social/political upheaval, uncertainty and hopelessness abounds--no one really knows when “this too shall pass”. But if you’re growing weak in the relentless sun, or feel like the darkness of winter will never end, remember that life has seasons that change and end! Eventually, the rain will come and seasons of growth and restoration will occur!

So take everything day by day. Pour out your heart to God. Tell Him your hopes and fears, dreams and frustrations. Make daily efforts to receive revelation. Study the words of prophets and apostles, ponder upon their advice and seek to apply it in your life. (During these times, I have found a lot of peace in scripture, song, and talks like “You Know Enough” by Elder Andersen and “His Daily Guiding Hand” by Elder Brough!) Surround yourself with influences, media, or people who will help you strengthen your relationship with Christ and feel the Spirit.

Edmund Cooke, a famous 19/20th century poet once wrote: “The test of greatness is the way One meets the eternal everyday.” However you choose to handle the current situation, I would highly encourage you to remember Cooke’s words! Focus on daily eternal efforts and everything will work out. You may not know when the rain will come or when the famine will end but with an eternal perspective, you will receive the peace and hope you need to move forward!