President Russell M. Nelson has said to the rising generation, “My beloved younger brothers and sisters, you are among the best the Lord has ever sent to this world.  You have the capacity to be smarter and wiser and have more impact on the world than any previous generation.”

I wholeheartedly believe that. Not just because a Prophet of God said it. I have seen evidence of that greatness.

Last fall, our youngest son decided to follow his brother’s footsteps and try mountain biking. As in previous years, the first race was on a cold and very rainy day. As we arrived in town, the rain fell in sheets. I remember thinking, surely they are not going to make the kids race in this.

By the time we had eaten lunch though, the rain let up. We made a quick pitstop to purchase some umbrellas just in case. When we arrived at the venue, there was a 20 minute rain delay. Things seemed to dry out a bit, and the course wasn’t too muddy when racing resumed.

Then about 45 minutes before Kam’s race, rain began again. With most of the races completed for the day, the organizers decided to push forward with the rest instead of postponing again. In the midst of a continued drizzle, Kam and the others lined up for what was to be an epic beginning to their racing season.

The race ended up looking more like a mud run or some sort of boot camp. Kids had to carry or drag their bikes through the course because of the mud. It was a mess! So many of us shook our heads and thought out loud or in our minds, “How can they make these kids do this? This is too hard!” As we continued to watch them struggle though, the mumbling quieted. Soon replaced by admiration.

We did not see one of those kids quit. Despite the repeated stops to clear out mud and grass from their tires and gear. Despite the slipping and falling and getting up again and again and again. Despite the cold and Herculean effort required to carry, pull, or push through the mud. Each participant doggedly continued, making adjustments to find what worked best for them.

They overcame. I was not the only one moved as these racers crossed the finish line. Some racers were crying from the effort. A few even carried their bikes without the wheels because of mishaps during the race. Yet they finished! I learned so much about grit, determination, and perseverance that day. I think many of us did.

Fast forward to the end of the season. During the State Mountain Biking races, a news story broke. The report was about a young man racing in what could very well be his last mountain bike race ever. This young man has a degenerative eye condition that is progressing rapidly. At the time of the story, he could only see about 10 feet in front of him. Yet this young man was competing at State in a sport where it is imperative to be able to see what obstacles are ahead. A guide with a headset rode in front of him during the race to give him instructions about upcoming difficulties. Even with the guide’s help though, he still crashes. His dad estimated he had hit the dirt about 75 times. Yet despite the hazards, the young man loves it and still raced.

That determination, that drive to act and overcome obstacles is special. This generation seems to have a significant amount of it. I have seen it again and again.

“[There] is something undeniably special about this generation of youth. Your Heavenly Father must have great confidence in you to send you to earth at this time. You were born for greatness.”

President Russell M Nelson, June 3, 2018, Worldwide Youth Devotional

Indeed they are. And I hope we help them continue to build that greatness of character and grit. The world needs them.

Here is a link to the news story: https://www.ksl.com/article/50500632/fellow-racers-show-support-for-utah-teen-with-eye-condition