Women of Conviction—Adapting to Change
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As I was researching articles about change, I came across this speech that was given in 1992 by Janet G. Lee. I recommend you click here and read it in its entirety. Very profound. These four separate paragraphs below contain excellent wisdom, which has been born through her years of experience in adapting to change. These are Janet G. Lee’s words:
Knowing When to Persevere and When to Change Direction
As we observe the lives of men and women in scripture, it is easy to see how people can triumph over adversity. But in our own everyday lives it is often difficult to see beyond our own frustrations, to remain focused, to see the end from the beginning.
Life is like that, and what we might want at twelve or twenty or forty-two or even seventy-two might have to be adapted to the opportunities and options that are available to us at the time.
My choice would not have been to experience what was given me to do, yet, as a result, each day is filled with deeper meaning, greater understanding, and new insights. But if I could turn back the clock, would I also have to trade in what I have learned? I wouldn’t want to give that part back. Always having our first choice might mean giving up unknown benefits. As Emerson said, “For everything you have missed, you have gained something else” (Essays: First Series [1841], “Compensation”).
I know that he (Heavenly Father) will never give me a challenge beyond my reach or beyond the tools he has given me to work with. I also know that the challenges and trials I have are in reality blessings, and I will be better and stronger for having gone through them.
Adapting to Change—
Covid-19
When I first read about Covid-19 in other parts of the world, it was hard to imagine it coming to the United States and doing the same type of severe health damage and imminent death that was going on elsewhere. When I became aware that it had arrived here, I started reading the daily updates in America and in other parts of the world. It was unbelievable. I was interested in how the church I belong to, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, would respond. Our prophet, President Russel M. Nelson, issued a message of hope, love, and peace as world-wide changes began in our church immediately. All church services and activities around the globe were cancelled. We began to have “home church,” which we had already been preparing for during the last two years with home-centered gospel study manuals, videos, and other teaching tools. Temples, where eternal marriage sealings and other ordinances are performed, were all closed. Many missionaries returned to their home countries and waited reassignment; they continued to share the gospel via the Internet.
I was shocked at how quickly everything shut down as “quarantine, social distancing, face masks, and hand sanitizer” became part of our daily vocabulary. The world we once knew will most likely never be quite the same. But hopefully, we will learn the necessary lessons we each need to learn and be better prepared for future events that will occur either in our own individual lives or throughout the world.
“…if ye are prepared ye shall not fear.”
— Doctrine and Covenants 38: 30