I listened this morning to the funeral and farwell to Elder Neal A. Maxwell this morning, and wanted to share my own heart’s thoughts. Elder Maxwell exuded light and kindness everywhere he went. Throughout his battle with cancer, he exhibited the kind of faith, endurance and patience that is marked by those that know in whom their faith is grounded. What grace he carried with him throughout his life! What an awesome example for us all to follow. I feel a sense of gratitude and a full heart at his passing. Although he talked with language that often went over my head — I always felt that I understood him, and his one liners would always pierce my heart. I truly loved what this man did for all of us that have chosen to listen to his voice.

On a more personal note — I feel that one of Elder Maxwell’s talks is one of the reasons that Bob and I are now married. Last year I was faced with the decision to either stay in Utah and rough it while I find a job — or go home (and not pay rent) and find a job there. The decision was made to stay in Utah with prayer and fasting, in spite of all the reasons to leave. My time in Utah after school ended was incredibly hard. I left behind education — the core of my life. The emptiness that I felt was harsh. And being without a job wore deeply on my self – esteem. And at this point — Bob didn’t have any interest in me. I began to seriously question my decision to stay. My life seemed flat and desolate. Had I made the right decision?

As usual, I soon found myself in the Harold B. Lee Library, on the 5th floor in my favorite corner, seeking peace from religious and art books. (I thank the genius who put the two together.) In there I found an old devotional talk that changed my outlook. The talk was given by Elder Maxwell back in 1979 — and it is entitled “Patience”. (it can be found at BYU Speeches) His words changed my perception and as I can see now they changed the course of my life. Words like these: “Clearly, without patience we will learn less in life. We will see less; we will feel less; we will hear less. Ironically, “rush” and “more” usually mean “less.”" Who else would have thought that? He spoke of trying to find meaning in the flatness of life. I felt renewed in my decision, and a brighter understanding of this life came to my mind. I contemplated this new flatness of my life — and found piles of lessons to be learned. I saw weaknesses and built them into strengths.

In Elder Maxwell’s teachings on patience, I found the strength to build the necessary faith to carry on, though the way was unclear. I found with patience, all things do have there purpose. And I also finally found my husband — who was a lot closer than I expected.

– Anna