Just Keep Swimming

I am late in writing this post because last week was such a difficult week.  Having so many things happen in our household without having Otto here has made it difficult for me to get everything done that needs to be done.  When times like these happen, my motto that I repeat in my mind (which comes from the movie, "Finding Nemo") helps me to continue along, even though I feel as though I can't go on.  What's this inspirational motto?

"Just keep swimming.  Just keep swimming.  Just keep swimming, swimming, swimming."

It may not be profound, but it does the trick.

I think that it was no coincidence that this week in my Introduction to Entrepreneurship class the reading materials focused on not giving up.  This message couldn't have been more timely.  As I write this post at the end of a long day of balancing school work (of which I am still catching up on), my children, my new job, my calling and my volunteer positions I couldn't feel more humbled nor more grateful for this sweet, timely message.  I truly needed it.
In one of his devotionals to the students at BYU-Idaho, Elder Holland said, "I am asking you this morning not to give up “for ye are laying the foundation of a great work.” That “great work” is you—your life, your future, the very fulfillment of your dreams. That “great work” is what, with effort and patience and God’s help, you can become. When days are difficult or problems seem unending, I plead with you to stay in the harness and keep pulling. You are entitled to “eat the good of the land of Zion in these last days,” but it will require your heart and a willing mind. It will require that you stay at your post and keep trying."  Today I just felt like giving up.  I pushed through it, but I really felt as though the road was endless.  I have been feeling as though the days are endless and the weeks are endless and there is no light at the end of the tunnel.  
But, I know that there is, in fact, a light at the end of the tunnel.  This is why I keep swimming.  Elder Holland also stated, "As you wage such personal wars, obviously part of the strength to “hang in there” comes from some glimpse, however faint and fleeting, of what the victory can be."  There will be an end to all of my trials.  I know that Otto will come home on Thursday.  I know that my children will eventually feel better.  I know that the new position that I have taken as Executive Director for the Katy Children's choir will help change the lives of the children in the community.  I also know that my new position as the Fundraising Chairperson for the Noyse Fine Arts Foundation with the goal to raise the funds necessary for the down payment for a Community Theatre in Katy will leave a lasting legacy in the community that will benefit, not only my children and the children in the city today, but future generations.  Things will get easier.  I am engaged in the things that my Heavenly Father wants me to be doing.
I know where I am going.  I have a goal.  I have taken the steps necessary to achieve that goal and I have received personal confirmation from the Lord that His hand has been in these major decisions that I have recently made.  I know that this is the reason that we were supposed to move to Texas from Canada and why Otto was transferred here.  I know that this is why I have taken the steps that I have taken, in my life.  Becoming Executive Director of the Katy Children's Choir is the perfect culmination of my love of music (especially children's choirs) and my love of business.
I know that things are going to be tough sometimes, just like they have these past couple of weeks.  I am excited about what is to come and the impact that it will have on my community.  I know that I will have many more days where I will just have to put my head down and "Just keep swimming" in order to make it to the next day.  I am willing to do this.  I am willing to sacrifice and make sure that I fulfill this goal at the end of the path that I have been placed on.  I know that the future of my community depends on how well I am able to achieve my goals.  I am up for the challenge and am recharged and ready to fight the good fight.

I can do this.

I will keep swimming.