Looking Back and Moving Forward

Looking Back and Moving Forward

This week’s blog title comes from a talk by President Thomas S. Monson titled, “Looking Back and Moving Forward” which he delivered just after being sustained as Prophet and President of the Church, “Members of the Church around the world convened yesterday in a solemn assembly. You raised your hands in a sustaining vote to approve the action which was taken in that meeting in the temple to which I have just referred. As your hands were raised toward heaven, my heart was touched. I felt your love and support, as well as your commitment to the Lord.” (https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2008/04/looking-back-and-moving-forward?lang=eng) A week ago Sunday. I had a similar experience as I was sustained as Bishop of our ward. It is a very humbling experience as I questioned why and especially why now? When I met with the Stake President and he extended the calling, I was very conflicted when I thought about bending my will to the will of Heavenly Father. I felt how the Lord had led me to a career and position that provided the opportunity to get more education and complete a degree. Why was He now asking something of me that would put that goal in jeopardy? I had experienced miracles that had brought me to this point and did not nor do not yet fully understand the whys. But, as I saw the signatures of the First Presidency on the approval for the call, including President Monson’s, I knew how I would respond. I would trust in the Lord and have faith in His perfect knowledge. Especially his knowledge of me that even I do not know or understand.

Throughout the semester as we have delved into the entrepreneur’s journey, I have had and shared many moments of self-reflection. As this week’s course introduction stated, “The Entrepreneur Journey will not be easy. You will encounter many challenges and hardships along the way. These will be defining moments that will mold and shape you.” This is a very appropriate statement for young students. For me, it is an affirmation of my life experiences. So, this week I look back at my journey and with a renewed determination I look forward and move forward in this journey with a clear resolve to more earnestly seek to know the Lord’s will for me and sincere desires to do it.