Through a glass darkly

1 Corinthians 13:12 For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.

I have experienced some interesting changes of perspective over time. Lehi's dream about the mists of darkness come to mind, and those who pressed forward holding to the rod; how eventually they came up out of the mists of darkness, and they saw the tree again in the distance. It is akin to that, that which I have experienced. I have felt the mists of darkness around me. I have known what it is like to keep your hand on the rod and step forward in faith, having no idea what is ahead of you, but going step by step, step by step, step by step, thinking of nothing but making that next step, and holding on. I know what that is like, the seeming endlessness of it, year after year after year, not daring to expect a glimpse of sky or a purpose beyond surviving the journey, and holding on. Well, the fog is lifting. The tree is again in view. There is joy in the journey. There are goals to be made, and views to be seen.

Perhaps we all experience the mists at times. It would seem to be so. Doesn't the world look beautiful when we emerge from them and look around at where we are? Isn't it good to realize that we have traveled a distance forward, even through the mists, because of the rod, in which we put our trust? It has not led us astray.

There is contentment in that.

 “press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life” (2 Nephi 31:20).