Do ye remember to have read what Zenos, the prophet of old, has said concerning prayer or worship?
For he said: Thou art merciful, O God, for thou hast heard my prayer, even when I was in the wilderness; yea, thou wast merciful when I prayed concerning those who were mine enemies, and thou didst turn them to me. - Alma 33:3-4.
Peace does not always come easily. I have discovered that efforts at peacemaking can bring about friendships that can be everlasting by the nature of a growing, trusting, relationship. It has taken me time, but I have concluded that even in difficult circumstances, matters can be resolved, which brings fresh light and more joy.
I commenced a difficult relationship when I began to acquire interest in a piece of ground upon which I intended to build a house. On the very first day, with the seller's sanction to walk over the property, an adjacent owner came and threatened me with physical harm. Fearing possible damage to my vehicle, I drove off at a speed to avoid further ado. Next, the police became involved by my presence there and I was able to justify my visits. After I bought the property, I was approached again by the local authority who wished to discover my intent. I began to think the forces of opposition had been alerted and were arrayed against me for certain action. I also found that the legal objectors to my building a house were vehement in their determination and I was denied a permit to build.
Meanwhile, content to cultivating an area for vegetables, I one day met one of the objecting neighbors whose yard I could see needed some junk removed and general tidying. I offered to clean up and a relationship of trust began to grow. I soon found opportunity to speak with the objecting neighbor on the opposite side and found him sorry for his attempt to discredit me with complaints to the local authority. Now he seeks my company, and I anxiously seek his.
My feelings have completely eased and my heart has been softened toward my neighbors and they are no longer my enemies.
I was never permitted to build the house but I have gained much, much more by this experience for a long time to come.
