Is it worth it?

"I would hope that we are wise enought to realize that we can excel, we can reach the top, we can be the very best in any field or endeavor - if we are willing to pay the price. But in order to be great in whatever we attempt to do in life, we have to decide in advance that it is indeed worth it!"

This is a quote by Elder Ballard in his book When Thou Art Converted. I love this thought and have found it to be true in life. I really think that we as children of God have an unimaginable potential. I know that we can be the very best in anything that we choose but we have to be willing to put in the required effort. I think that in order to do that we do need to know if it is worth it...or if it is not. because, when things get tough and all you want to do is give up....You will already know that it is worth the price!

He goes on to ask that question in regards to our eternal goals and priorities. "Although salvation (immortality with a resurrected body) is available to all mankind through the loving grace of the lord Jesus Christ, Exaltation (life eternal...in the place where God and Christ dwell) requires great faith and service on our part. We must sacrifice. We must be obedient. We must repent of our sins and work to take full advantage of the remarkable possibilities afforded to all mankind through the Atonement of christ. It isn't easy. No one ever said that it would be. The question for us to consider is, Is it worth it? Is it worth giving all the attention and all the energy of wich we are capable for the building of God's freat kingdom here upon the earth in exchange for 'all that my Father hath?' Yes it is!"

I know that it is! I feel the love of the lord each day in my life. I know that as a daughter of God I have a great potential. Not only am I blessed in this life for keeping the commandments of the Lord but I can not even imagine the blessings of Exaltation! As I study the scriptures I come to learn more about my Heavenly Father, who he is...his character and divine attributes. I know that it will be worth the trials and the challenges that we face in this life to once again live in his presence. I am grateful for the Atonement of our Savior I know that it is through him we are able to enjoy those blessings!