Dealing with Challenges and Carrying a Load

I recently heard a story spoken by David A. Bednar about a man who drove his truck in to the woods to cut firewood.  As he drove further and further in to the mountains he eventually became stuck in the deep snow.  Despite his efforts, he could not free his vehicle from being stuck so without much else to do, he began to cut firewood.  After loading the back of his truck with firewood he again decided to give it one last try to free the stuck car.  To his surprise, the tires got traction and he was able to get back on the road and eventually arrived home safely.

This story illustrate some important points that can be helpful when applying it to our lives.  First, it was the load in the back of the truck that provided the traction to get back on the road and return home.  Often times in life we are faced with struggles and challenges that represent our load in the back of our trucks.  Though difficult as they may seem, they can help shape us and guide us as a person.  This load can provide the traction we need to stay the course and continue on the path that will lead us to success in life. 

Second, without the load the truck was stuck.  Likewise, without challenges and difficulties we can be stuck in life.  It is often the most difficult things in life that help build our character and make us strong.  Whether we want it or are ready for it or not, each of us will have to face challenges.  Without difficulties we would never be able to test our character, challenge our beliefs, and overcome difficulties.  We’d never be able to move forward and become the person we are capable of becoming.  The difficulties we face prevent us from getting stuck and each of us will inevitably have to carry a load.

Third, when the man was stuck, he went to work.  He moved forward with his plan and took action.  He choose to do something.  Likewise, when we feel stuck we just need to believe in ourselves and move forward.  By doing so we will eventually encounter the load we need to help us gain traction and move down the road to our goals. 

Finally, the load can steer us in the right direction.  Sometimes our priorities and desires in life get hijacked by unimportant things.  The load can often provide the awakening and prospective we need to put our life back on track, our priorities back in order, and our focus on what we really want out of life.  Without the load we’d often be stuck like the truck or even be driving down dead ends.  Our challenges help us stay centered on what really matters and is most important.    

In conclusion, life is hard.  Its unpredictable and unexpected challenges can rock us and cause us to want to give up or give in.  However if we change our perspective and remember this story, we can view our challenges as our greatest blessings.  Believing that our load will give us the traction and perspective we need to get home will help propel us toward satisfaction and success in life.