Woah. The last few week have been a wild ride!

With conference this weekend and the 190th anniversary of the restoration of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and 200th since the First Vision, I’ve been swimming in articles, books, and podcasts about the restoration and early years of the church. As I’ve learned about the constant sacrifices of those early saints, I’ve felt comforted as I’m reminded the Lord never promised us simplicity, but He does promise us peace and He promises us that there is a purpose to the things we don’t understand. After all, His ways, are (totally, very much, completely) not our ways (because they’re better).

We’re dealing with disease, loss, economic crisis, loneliness, natural disasters, and all that on top of whatever personal difficulties you have on your shoulders. The early converts to the gospel would be familiar with all the fear and chaos we’re feeling. But, because of their love and devotion to the Savior, they often CHOSE the route that would bring these things into their lives. They left family members to follow Joseph, they lost loved ones on the trail to follow Brigham Young, they lost homes all along the way, they were sick, impoverished and probably scared, a lot. But they chose it, for us! They knew it was all worth it because they knew that their sacrifices were bringing about the things of eternity. There was peace in their difficult choices because they knew they were aligned with God in bringing about His great purpose, to restore his people from all over the world, one family at a time, to a knowledge of the Redeemer, Jesus Christ. The Lord was accomplishing a marvelous work and a wonder, and they knew they were part of it. Whatever is to come, we can take comfort knowing, it is all part of the Lord’s plan to bring His family home.

What a blessing it has been to me to feel close to the brave children of God who restored this knowledge and the covenants that have blessed my life! Their courage has inspired me to remember the work is ongoing and we are still part of this marvelous work and a wonder. The work is not done, and we have the opportunity, no matter what difficulties are to come in the days ahead, as we move closer to the Savior’s return, to point God’s children to Jesus Christ and redemption. The knowledge of Christ is on the Earth again and we can have true peace, because we can truly know Him!

Through most of the chaotic times on Earth there weren’t true prophets and the priesthood. While things right now aren’t easy and they aren’t simple, at least we don’t have to go through it without guidance. This weekend, we have the blessing to hear from a living prophet who will teach us what we need to do to be closer to the Savior. We will feel the spirit and Christ will calm our hearts. With my heart bursting with gratitude, I will come to conference this weekend celebrating the amazing events and people that made that knowledge possible because, thanks to them, the restoration is ongoing, the Lord’s work is alive and we are never truly alone.