Attribute #6 - Diligence

Karl Johan Beckstrand

26 June 1829 – 7 December 1883

I could just copy what I wrote a few years ago (which was really just copying and pasting what someone else wrote), but I won't. You can read that here. This is the ancestor that will be remembered for shooting the skunk which required the pioneer company to move camp. However, what I see in that story is someone far out of his natural element trying to do his best to be obedient and serve others. I love that example.

Diligence: Constant and earnest effort; persistent exertion

Alma 38:3
I have had great joy in thee already, because of thy faithfulness and thy diligence, and thy patience and thy long-suffering.

This scripture is Alma talking about Shiblon and his efforts among the Zoramites, but it also describes what I feel when I think about this great-great grandfather. As we diligently strive to acquire righteous attributes joy comes into our lives.

“The joy we feel has little to do with the circumstances of our lives and everything to do with the focus of our lives. When the focus of our lives is on God’s plan of salvation, and Jesus Christ and His gospel, we can feel joy regardless of what is happening—or not happening—in our lives. Joy comes from and because of Him. He is the source of all joy. We feel it at Christmastime when we sing, “Joy to the world, the Lord is come.” And we can feel it all year round. For Latter-day Saints, Jesus Christ is joy!”

Russell M. Nelson - October 2016

Last year's attribute - Kindness