What is a challenge?

What is a challenge? http://www.dictionary.com/ defines it as: something that by its nature or character serves as a call to battle, contest, special effort, etc. To me, this definition means it's a call to arms. It's something you need to test your skills and knowledge. Sometimes a challenge threatens to knock you off your feet. But, then again, how else could we grow unless we faced up to our challenges and conquered our fears.

I have been blessed to have so many comforts in my life. I have a loving family who taught me correct discipline and helped me to know who I am and who I can become. I am so grateful for this strong background that helps me make important decisions in my life today.

I know that when I go through trials, I can rely upon the support of my family, friends, and my testimony of the Lord. Life is hard. But it would be so much harder without these strongholds that help keep me on the straight and narrow path.

I, recently, have had some experiences that have confused me so much. They're not grand mountains, just little boulders that keep getting in my way. What is the purpose in these challenges? What am I supposed to learn? For one thing, I've learned that I have a lot to learn. I've come to grasp that everytime you get in a comfortable position, something happens to throw you off your groove. It's so frustrating sometimes. There have been times when I've just wanted to give up - just wanted to say "It's not worth it anyway" and go back to my comfortable life. But you can't go back in life. You can't erase the past, just learn from it and keep moving forward.

In the recent General Conference, President Monson stated, "Mortality is a period of testing, a time to prove ourselves worthy to return to the presence of our Heavenly Father. In order to be tested, we must sometimes face challenges and difficulties. At times there appears to be no light at the tunnel’s end—no dawn to break the night’s darkness. We feel surrounded by the pain of broken hearts, the disappointment of shattered dreams, and the despair of vanished hopes. We join in uttering the biblical plea 'Is there no balm in Gilead?'6 We are inclined to view our own personal misfortunes through the distorted prism of pessimism. We feel abandoned, heartbroken, alone. If you find yourself in such a situation, I plead with you to turn to our Heavenly Father in faith. He will lift you and guide you. He will not always take your afflictions from you, but He will comfort and lead you with love through whatever storm you face."

So I have decided to take the challenges that I face by the horns and not be trodden by challenges that may come my way. lol I've even started making challenges of my own for me to overcome. This Friday I am reporting about two different events that are going on at the same time. It's not a big challenge but it'll be interesting to see how I'm going to be two places at once... I have no idea as to how but it looked like an intriguing challenge that I couldn't pass up - just to see how I deal with the pressure. :-)

I'm up for new challenges that force me to get out of my safe haven and explore the unknown. This life is so short and the list of opportunities is so long. It's time to open my eyes to new experiences and as the Latin phrase goes, "Carpe diem" (means to cease the day).