Kenneth R. Hardman

Have you ever had ‘wondrous and glorious thoughts during a time of trial?’ Do you know someone who exercised their agency toward faith or optimism even when their options were limited by others? In the fall of 1951, seven years before I was born, the war raged on in Korea. Dad wrote his Sunday letter to Mom in California. During the pain of lengthy separation, they grew closer as their heart-felt letters crossed the Pacific. “I enjoyed church this morning,” Dad wrote, “mostly I think because I attended the first… meeting since I have been over here…My heart is overflowing with wondrous and glorious thoughts.” 

How is this possible? When life seems on hold, far from home and loved-ones, how can one’s thoughts be wondrous and glorious? I know from their letters that war-time was very difficult. But Mom and Dad did not look at the present as the final outcome or opportunity of life. From their words and actions they believed in God and God’s plan with all their heart. They continued to look forward to raising a family. Because of their faith and example, I now look for wondrous and glorious thoughts, even amidst trial.

Have you ever had ‘wondrous and glorious thoughts during a time of trial?’ Do you know someone who exhibited faith or optimism even when their options were limited? Hearing your experience will be helpful.

Here is a link to a little bit more of Mom and Dad’s war-time story.