L. Tom Perry on the seasons of life

We acknowledge the passing today (May 30, 2015) of Elder L. Tom Perry.  He was born August 5, 1922 in Logan and grew up in the Cache Valley. He served a mission in the Northern States and then enlisted in the Marine Corps, serving in eastern Asia towards the end of World War II. Following a successful career in retail, he was called as an Assistant to the Twelve in 1972, then as a member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in 1974. At the time of his passing at age 92, he was the oldest living general authority and the third in seniority among the leading quorums.

"Those of us who have been around a while... have recognized certain patterns in life's test. There are cycles of good and bad times, ups and downs, periods of joy and sadness, and times of plenty as well as scarcity. When our lives turn in an unanticipated and undesirable direction, sometimes we experience stress and anxiety. One of the challenges of this mortal experience is to not allow the stresses and strains of life to get the better of us—to endure the varied seasons of life while remaining positive, even optimistic. Perhaps when difficulties and challenges strike, we should have these hopeful words of Robert Browning etched in our minds: 'The best is yet to be' ('Rabbi Ben Ezra,' in Charles W. Eliot, ed., The Harvard Classics, 50 vols. [1909-10], 42:1103). We can't predict all the struggles and storms in life, not even the ones just around the next corner, but as persons of faith and hope, we know beyond the shadow of any doubt that the gospel of Jesus Christ is true and the best is yet to come....

"In our search to obtain relief from the stresses of life, may we earnestly seek ways to simplify our lives. May we comply with the inspired counsel and direction the Lord has given us in the great plan of happiness. May we be worthy to have the companionship of the Holy Ghost and follow the guidance of the Spirit as we navigate this mortal journey. May we prepare ourselves to accomplish the ultimate purpose of this mortal test—to return and live with our Heavenly Father."

- L. Tom Perry, "Let Him Do It with Simplicity," Ensign, Nov. 2008, pp. 7-10
Click here to read the full talk

Elder Perry was widely known for his joyful approach to life and his infectious enthusiasm. This quote illustrates some of the reasons behind that optimistic personality: a deep and firm faith in Jesus Christ and His gospel plan.