On this day, July 24th, people from around the world celebrate the arrival of the Mormon pioneers into the rugged and baron Salt Lake Valley of Utah. Although an advanced party reached the valley two days earlier, their leader and the bulk of the first group entered the valley July 24, 1847. This group of people was made up of individuals and families from many countries. They had been forced to relocate several times due to persecution from others who did not practice the so called tolerance of today, and they did not have the benefit of political correctness. Here was a people, committed to a cause, converted by a message, and determined to succeed. Many, lost their lives on the journey.
Today I think of those pioneers, on foot, pulling handcarts and in covered wagons, traveling an average of three months (that's in ideal weather) to reach their destination, their new home. I pause to inventory my own life. Am I COMMITTED to a cause? Have I been CONVERTED by a message? Am I DETERMINED to succeed?
When we ponder our life's purpose as individuals, it may serve us well to consider these three question.
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