"A combat truth is that one’s original plan rarely survives first contact with the enemy. ... Another thing that this situation has taught me is to always make sure you are mentally in a place where you can maintain discipline, even when others can’t hold you accountable.”
Daniel Klebingat had these thoughts as he reflected on his experiences finishing college and Army ROTC program in the midst of the pandemic. Seems like this is good counsel for helping us deal with life's challenges, whatever they may be.
“What are the foundational elements of my spiritual and emotional character that will allow me and my family to remain steadfast and immovable, even to withstand the earthshaking and tumultuous seismic events that will surely take place in our lives?”
These events, similar to an earthquake, are often difficult to predict and come in various levels of intensity—wrestling with questions or doubt, facing affliction or adversity, .... The best defense against these lies in our spiritual foundation.
What might spiritual cornerstones of our personal and family lives be? They may be the simple, plain, and precious principles of gospel living—family prayer; scripture study, ... and gospel learning... "Gary Stevenson
This pandemic is certainly a seismic event. Only time will tell how our individual and collective lives will be impacted in the short and long run. A firm spiritual foundation will help us deal with the challenges that come our way.
And whoso receiveth you, there I will be also, for I will go before your face. I will be on your right hand and on your left, and my Spirit shall be in your hearts, and mine angels round about you, to bear you up. (Doctrine and Covenants 84: 88)
Most of the time the angels in our lives are family and friends who love and support us. Every once in a while we get a glimpse or feeling of the angels from the other side who are doing the same.
Sometimes faith in Jesus Christ and His gospel is all that keeps us going through difficult times. This video depicts Later-day Saints who were driven out of Kirkland, Ohio; from Nauvoo, Illinois; and from Missouri. Their faith kept them going. When I listen to this, I think of our own faith journey. This is a marvelous work. I am filled with hope. I do move forward with faith.
A marvelous work has begun to come forth
among all the children of men.
O ye that embark in the service of God,
give heart, mind, and strength unto him;
For prophets have spoken and angels have come
to lift the world from sin,
That Christ may reign over all the earth
and bless his gathered kin.
With faith in every footstep, we follow Christ, the Lord;
And filled with hope through his pure love, we sing with one accord.
Those marvelous Saints who embraced this great work
and shared it in lands far and near;
Who gave all their heart, mind, and strength to the Lord
with wisdom and vision so clear;
Now stand as examples of virtue and faith,
of souls prepared to hear,
Of knowledge sure, born of humble heart,
and love that banished fear.
With faith in every footstep, we follow Christ, the Lord;
And filled with hope through his pure love, we sing with one accord.
Due to COVID-19 high school and college graduates will not be taking the traditional "walk" at graduation ceremonies this year.
At a virtual graduation for the LDS Business College, Jean Bingham spoke about "walking."
“Even though you are not able to ‘walk’ in the traditional sense on graduation day, please consider that there are many ways to walk—but none more important than the Savior’s way.”
“Scripturally, we find numerous expressions of walking, such as ‘walk righteously,’ ‘walk uprightly,’ ‘walk in the steps of the Lord,’ ‘walk in the strait path,’ ‘walk in the ways of truth,’ ‘walk in His law,’ ‘walk humbly,’ and ‘walk in the light,’ as descriptions of walking in the ways of Jesus Christ.”
Walking in the light of Christ’s example gives each person the opportunity to learn and grow. Some walks are easy, like a walk in the park, while others are more challenging.... As we keep putting one foot in front of the other with faith in Jesus Christ, we will feel peace as we accomplish our goals and fulfill our divine potential.”
Jesus Christ is the best walking companion as we journey through life on earth.
"A combat truth is that one’s original plan rarely survives first contact with the enemy. ... Another thing that this situation has taught me is to always make sure you are mentally in a place where you can maintain discipline, even when others can’t hold you accountable.” 
