Why then, when we are in the midst of struggles do we often hear, or feel, or say (even quietly, under our breath) ….. “Why me?”
That question keeps you in good company. Almost everyone will confess to feeling that way, at some time during their lives. And then feeling a little guilty for complaining.
It’s OK to feel that way.
Look at the great epic poem, “The Odyssey,” when Odysseus struggles for ten years to get back home to his beloved Penelope, his son, and his homeland. His words ring truth in our ears,
“Tell me why a man of such noble piety would have to go through such labors?”
It’s called the hero journey. We all must journey in this life; whether we become a hero or not is entirely up to us. Just knowing that great heroes are made when required to go through such labors, should make us feel better. We all admire the man or woman who keeps trying, keeps smiling and finally gets back home — and accomplishes the seemingly impossible.
That’s what it means to become a hero.
There are many stories. True stories. Adam and Eve, Enoch, Noah, Moses, Abraham, Joseph of Egypt, Lehi, Nephi, Joseph Smith, Jesus Christ. But there are modern-day heroes too. And nameless heroes. And make-believe heroes — it’s what makes a good story.
It would be good to remember that we are admirable when we keep at it, keep going and do not give up. We can become heroes, but it requires these labors that prompt us to complain. Look around, look for the hero journey in the books read. You will find them.
William Blake — 1807, Enoch walked with God
Joseph dwelleth in Egypt, Joseph Tissot, 1896-1902
Gathering the Manna, Joseph Tissot
Updated. Originally posted Feb. 15, 2014
