​I sometimes find myself in the middle of a challenging situation that lasts longer than I expected it to, and I find myself asking, “Dear Heavenly Father, could I please be done with this already? I’m ready to go on to the next lesson now. Seriously, I think I’ve learned everything I can from this one. Thank you.” 

God must chuckle a bit at this, because like we can tell Him what the perfect timing is, right? 

So here is this group of friends and family who are sent by the Lord on a journey to a promised land, which sounds all happy and helpful. But the reality is that their journey was in sealed barges, with animals and people they loved but couldn’t get away from, and the boats didn’t have sails, motors, or rudders. Instead, they were driven forward by waves and storms, not exactly what would have felt like an easy journey. And yet, instead of whining, or complaining about how “this is just the worst thing ever,” or “what did I ever do to deserve this,” they gave thanks to Heavenly Father for their blessings and praised Him all the way. That’s a pretty intense expression of faith. Especially when you think about the fact that they can’t see outside to know where they are going, can’t see the sun, and have no way of knowing if “we are almost there yet.” 

Ether 6:9-11
9 And they did sing praises unto the Lord; yea, the brother of Jared did sing praises unto the Lord, and he did thank and praise the Lord all the day long; and when the night came, they did not cease to praise the Lord. 10 And thus they were driven forth; and no monster of the sea could break them, neither whale that could mar them; and they did have light continually, whether it was above the water or under the water. 11 And thus they were driven forth, three hundred and forty and four days upon the water.