He Can Make All Things Beautiful

By Audra Elkington

Early one morning, as the Provo temple came into view, the thought that went through my mind was “it looks so beautiful.”

I was on a trip for work and had gone for a walk with another woman that morning. We were staying at a house not far from the temple in Provo and I took her up on an invitation to join her for an early morning walk to the temple before we started working for the day.

Once we reached the temple, she suggested we walk a bit further toward BYU campus. We had both attended BYU during our college years and had not been back to campus since then (15 years for me). I conceded to the extra distance and as we walked toward campus, in the dark, I couldn’t help but think how pretty the buildings looked all lit up.

Now, this next admission will probably make me unpopular with some people, but my years spent attending BYU and in Provo were not my favorite years. And when it comes to temples, while I appreciate the purpose and Spirit of all temples, the Provo one has never been on my list of temples I love to get a good look at.

That being said, it was a bit strange for me to be so taken by the beauty of both of those places that early morning.

The following week, after returning home to North Carolina, my mind kept replaying that walk. As I repeatedly thought about how the beauty of BYU campus and the Provo temple surprised me that morning, a verse of scripture came to mind.

“And now, I, Moroni, would speak somewhat concerning these things; I would show unto the world that faith is things which are hoped for and not seen; wherefore, dispute not because ye see not, for ye receive no witness until after the trial of your faith.” (Ether 12:6)

For months I have been a bit disgruntled with God. I just haven’t felt like I’ve been receiving the answers or guidance I am so diligently seeking. It’s been a frustrating few months, to say the least.

But, as I read that verse in Ether and thought about my early morning walk with a new friend, I heard the Spirit whisper to me: He can make all things beautiful if I will just continue in faith. 

Heavenly Father is aware of our pleadings. He sees every action we take to seek guidance from Him. Often, however, the inspiration we are seeking doesn’t come when we want it to. 

I might not have loved BYU while I was attending classes there. But, as I look back, I can see all the good that came from those years I spent in the trial of my faith. I wouldn’t wish to live through them again, but I am grateful for the blessings and lessons that came during that phase of my life.

No matter what your ‘ugly’ situation is right now, hold tight to your faith. It might take months, years or even decades, but in His time, He will make all things beautiful.