Letter from Grandpa Roland...

It was good to see many of you this last weekend, although the circumstances were sad.

The Bishop that spoke mentioned getting letters from Grandpa Roland that would have poems, scriptures, or song lyrics in them. It made me recall that I had received just such a note while I was on my mission. I'd like to share part of it with all of you:

Choosing the right path and being faithful to your ideals will make you always a most worth-while person. Having the courage to remain steadfast under adversity is a divine characteristic. Have you heard this bit? It is entitled "Opportunity" by Edward Rowland Sill.

This I beheld, or dreamed it in a dream:--
There spread a cloud of dust along a plain;
And underneath the cloud, or in it, raged
A furious battle, and men yelled, and swords
Shocked upon swords and shields. A prince's banner
Wavered, then staggered backward, hemmed by foes.
A craven hung along the battle's edge,
And thought, "Had I a sword of keener steel--
That blue blade that the king's son bears, -- but this
Blunt thing--!" he snapped and flung it from his hand,
And lowering crept away and left the field.
Then came the king's son, wounded, sore bestead,
And weaponless, and saw the broken sword,
Hilt-buried in the dry and trodden sand,
And ran and snatched it, and with battle shout
Lifted afresh he hewed his enemy down,
And saved a great cause that heroic day.

With courage, humility, and the Holy Ghost as your constant companion, you can accomplish anything. This gives you the “Sword of Righteousness” and makes all things possible.