The Music & the Spoken Word broadcast airs live via TV, radio, and internet stream on Sunday at 9:30 a.m. mountain daylight time. For information on other airtimes, visit “Airing Schedules” at musicandthespokenword.org.

Music

Conductors: Mack Wilberg and Ryan Murphy
Organist: Brian Mathias
Announcer: Lloyd Newell

“Hymn of Praise”¹
Music: Mack Wilberg
Lyrics: David Warner

“Consider the Lilies of the Field”²
by Roger Hoffman
Arrangement: A. Laurence Lyon

“The Ash Grove” (Organ solo)
Welsh melody
Arrangement: John Longhurst

“Pilgrim Song”¹
American folk hymn
Arrangement: Ryan Murphy

“Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing”³
American folk hymn
Lyrics: Robert Robinson
Arrangement: Mack Wilberg

1 On the CD Glory! Music of Rejoicing.
2 On the CD Consider the Lilies and in the CD set Encore Collection.
3 On the Cds Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing and America's Choir and in the CD Sets Bravo! The #1 Albums
and Anniversary Collection.

The Spoken Word

“At the End of the Tunnel”

We’ve all heard the expression “light at the end of the tunnel.” But to anyone who has ever been completely engulfed in darkness, it’s more than just a nice saying. To them, a light at the end of the tunnel is a lifeline, a cherished spark of hope.

An experienced cyclist tells of a biking trip he took with some friends along the beautiful Hiawatha Trail in Montana. He knew the trail would pass through a long, dark tunnel through the Rocky Mountains, but he wasn’t too concerned—that is, until he actually entered the tunnel. After only a short distance, he found himself overwhelmed with utter darkness. He suddenly became disoriented, nervous, and afraid. But his friends rallied together until a pinpoint of light appeared in the distance, and his confidence immediately returned.¹

Life can sometimes feel like a dark tunnel. We all have times when we feel anxious or confused, when we need to know that things will get better. We need something to look forward to, something to reach for, something to keep us moving onward.

 All it takes is the smallest point of light, and suddenly we know where to go. We know there’s a way out of darkness. We know the future can be bright. A season of ill health can finally pass; a strained relationship can eventually heal; a stressful situation at work or school can find resolution in time. Just when we think we can’t continue, we catch a glimmer of light and the power of hope propels us forward.

Where does that light, that hope come from? It might come in the form of a supportive loved one. It might come from remembering that we’ve made it through other dark tunnels in the past. It might be the values and firm convictions that have stood the test of time. It might be day-to-day blessings that somehow give us courage to put one foot in front of the other.

No matter the challenge or difficulty, such glimmers of light reassure us that life’s tunnels are temporary. Given time, patience, and effort, life gets better. No matter how dark the tunnel, there’s always light at its end.

[1] See Vern P. Stanfill, “Choose the Light,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2015, 55–56.