Always remember that there is more...so much more

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

In the historical fiction drama book series of the Work and the Glory, the family patriarch, Benjamin Steed, bears testimony to his non-believing son, Joshua Steed. In this testimony, Father Steed, as he was affectionately called by his children, finds himself deathly ill wondering if he would ever recover from Malaria which had stricken many of the saints as they began to settle the city of Nauvoo. Perceiving that this illness would be the end of his life, Benjamin Steed commended his son Joshua on his success in business and for the wonderful life he had, but then he warned him that those things were good, but he said: “there is more, so much more in the gospel of Jesus Christ.”

As we ponder on how blessed we are to live in such a wonderful era, it is a humbling experience to contrast our current way of life with those who came before us. Long journeys that before would consume weeks now can be done in the matter of hours. In most cases, we are able to travel in the comfort of our vehicles or at the speed of airplanes. These are privileges that our ancestors could not have even dreamed about. Let us give thanks giving daily to our Heavenly Father for all these things. We certainly live in a wonderful time, but “there is more...so much more.”

As we think about the beauty all around us. The sunshine that warms our souls for more than 300 days each year. The red hills and the beautiful desert landscape that creates a dramatic contrast of amazing colors. The wonderful and caring people that fill our lives with joy and purpose as they help us each day become a better version of ourselves. Finally, our hearts are filled with incomprehensible love for our family and friends. All of these things bring us so much joy and happiness into each of our lives. But “there is more...so much more.”

Father Lehi understood this synergic principle in greater depth. As we read in 1 Nephi, Lehi and his family left their home in Jerusalem in search of the promised land. Lehi was a rich and successful man in Jerusalem. In The Book of Mormon, we learn of his many riches, silver and gold, that they left behind and later on used these riches to try to buy the brass plates from Laban (1 Nephi 3:22). The Lord commanded Lehi and his family to leave this comfortable life. Lehi showed obedience to the Lord, and he also knew that “there was more...so much more.”

Dear Brothers and Sisters, because the gospel of Jesus Christ has been restored, we can enjoy all the blessings pertaining to the gospel of Jesus Christ. The world can give us many comforts, beauties, satisfaction, and temporal joyful moments. All of these things are a wonderful testimony of the love that our Heavenly Father has for each of us. It is our mission in life to find joy in this journey (2 Nephi 2:25). But during many times in our lives when comforts, beauties, joy, and satisfactions are scarce, may we always remember that there is more...so much more.

Because of Jesus Christ, and his atoning sacrifice for you and me, all trials, pains, and disappointments of this life are for a small moment (See D&C 121:7-8). Our joy will be as exquisite as our pains (Alma 36:20). Moreover, if you are currently experiencing a moment of trial in your life. If you feel that your faith is being tested, do not despair. I invite you to take comfort in knowing that you are not alone. You are in great company. I think of Emma Smith who lost children and her husband, Steven who died as a martyr, and our Savior who died an innocent man to show us that He loved us unconditionally. Suffering is and will always be part of this phase in our eternal existence, but it will not last. It will not last beyond the reaches of the love of our Savior.

Embrace the gospel of Jesus Christ. Rejoice in the promise of a perfect future. Live your life so that you can feel now the power that comes from knowing that “there is more, so much more” for those who are truly faithful and committed to follow Jesus Christ.

We love you dear friends!

President Emerson Carnavale

Washington Stake Presidency