This past summer, my 2 youngest daughters, my brother and I set out on a hike in the Targhee Ski Area. Little did we know what we were getting in to. After a steep incline and a break we headed around the mountain before heading upwards again. We noticed very few people on the trail and they were all descending, not climbing. One person stopped to tell us to make sure we paid attention to the small markers. They would keep us on the trail.
The incline got steeper, we had to climb over treacherous rocks and ended up on a narrow ledge at one point. We finally reached what we thought was the summit only to look upward to see that if we were to climb to the top of an adjacent peak there was an operating chairlift. Totally exhausted we decided the extra climb would be totally worth being able to ride down and we were willing to pay what ever the cost. The hike to that peak was extremely difficult and our tired legs kept slipping, but we persevered upwards. 
Reaching the top provided more than just a free downhill ride, but the most incredible views that we would of never gotten had we not continued climbing. I've been thinking a lot about when we experience trials in our lives. It feels like lots of things are hard and life just seems to get more difficult. When I look back I see that each difficulty helped me to get through that trial. That even though it felt hard at the time, there were markers of guidance and help from a loving Heavenly Father and Jesus to help, even carrying me at times to get me to where I needed to be. I've learned that if we do the work, persevere and pay attention to those markers we will make it through our trials and that view at the top will be beautiful and enlightening.
The Grand Tetons were breathtaking!
XOXO
Tiffanee
