And I would exhort you, my beloved brethren, that ye remember that he is the same yesterday, today, and forever, and that all these gifts of which I have spoken, which are spiritual, never will be done away, even as long as the world shall stand, only according to the unbelief of the children of men.
Wherefore, there must be faith; and if there must be faith there must also be hope; and if there must be hope there must also be charity.
(Moroni 10:19-20)

This year has had many challenges for people all around the world. There is a lot that may give us worry or concern, but there is more to bring hope. it is through trial that we are shaped and defined.

I might be too optimistic but I do not worry. I see the future as bright. I see abundance and opportunity the world over. As I dive deeper into scripture, history, and advancement, I am able to see how glorious this time is. We are connected like never before. We have more access to information, opinions, and knowledge like never before. We are creating abundance like never before. Yes, each of these need to cautiously navigated but they give hope for the future when used for the good of our fellow man.

I see our current state somewhat like a frozen waterfall. It appears to be dormant and withholding of its generous life giving power. However, beneath that ice water continues to flow. It fights through the debilitating cold through its insulated shell. It continues to feed the world downstream that has relaxed into a winter’s sleep.

Spring will come again. We will be rewarded for our patience, hope, kindness, and effort during the long dark winter. Let us have hope.

The many references to hope at the end of the Book of Mormon are consoling because of the situation they were recorded in. It seems to us that they had no hope, but they found meaning and hope in Christ. Let us strengthen our faith and find ways to give life to others. Let our waters of life continue to flow.

As we look beyond ourselves and serve others we are able to see good and find more hope.