"Come What May, and Love It" General Conference Talk

Favorite General Conference Talk

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

"Come What May, and Love It"

by Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin

October 2008

Jamie pushing Joshua at Zions National Park

This talk was given on October 4, 2008 - exactly three years after Joshua passed away.  I called my former boss, Charles Dahlquist, and asked if he could get me tickets to this session.  That was just the perfect place to be as we remembered Joshua.  Charles was able to get me 5 tickets, and they were amazing seats, not very far from the front!  I had hoped to feel Joshua's influence especially sweet that day, and there were Joshua moments all around us!  

First, Jamie was there with a friend, and my close and amazing friend Jill and her daughter Kerstin were also there.  That was a joy in itself!  The choir was a combined children's choir, and their first song was "I Am A Child of God" - one of Joshua's favorite songs, and one that Jill sang with Debi Jensen at his funeral.  And the children were adorable - especially on the big screen with their wiggles, smiles and innocense!  And then Elder Wirthlin spoke on trials, and specifically spoke about his own grandson with autism - see clip below.  And then Elder Holland spoke on the ministry of angels.  I will include that in a future clip.  I felt God's hand in a very special and sweet experience.  I am so thankful.

He does talk about the principle of compensation, which bring so much hope and perspective as we go through the hardest trials of our life.  

And then what made this talk even more meaningful was that it was Elder Wirthlin's last talk before he died.  We did not know that at the time, but we feel very honored and blessed to have seen him give this talk.

And his grandson played baseball!  It was so similar to sweet, funny and inspiring times when Joshua played adapted t-ball.  It was always incredible and filled with joy!!

Joshua and Jamie



Because Heavenly Father is merciful, a principle of compensation prevails. I have seen this in my own life. My grandson Joseph has autism. It has been heartbreaking for his mother and father to come to grips with the implications of this affliction.

They knew that Joseph would probably never be like other children. They understood what that would mean not only for Joseph but for the family as well. But what a joy he has been to us. Autistic children often have a difficult time showing emotion, but every time I’m with him, Joseph gives me a big hug. While there have been challenges, he has filled our lives with joy.

His parents have encouraged him to participate in sports. When he first started playing baseball, he was in the outfield. But I don’t think he grasped the need to run after loose balls. He thought of a much more efficient way to play the game. When a ball was hit in his direction, Joseph watched it go by and then pulled another baseball out of his pocket and threw that one to the pitcher.

Any reservations that his family may have had in raising Joseph, any sacrifices they have made have been compensated tenfold. Because of this choice spirit, his mother and father have learned much about children with disabilities. They have witnessed firsthand the generosity and compassion of family, neighbors, and friends. They have rejoiced together as Joseph has progressed. They have marveled at his goodness.

https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2008/10/come-what-may-and-love-it?lang=eng