As he did when he last spoke in the priesthood session of general conference 13 years ago, Elder Ben B. Banks drew lessons for life from a bicycle journey he took with members of his family.

Elder Ben B. Banks

Elder Banks of the Presidency of the Seventy said two of his sons and his only daughter recently cycled 225 miles from Bozeman, Mont., to Jackson Hole, Wyo., crossing the Continental Divide on three occasions. The first day was cold and miserable.

"I was reminded that life can be just like that day," he said. "Fortunately, we had prepared for all types of weather conditions; had we not done so, it would have been difficult to complete our journey on that first day. At each stage of life's journey we should set out full of hope and optimism, but we should be prepared nonetheless to face opposition or hardship at some point."

The second day of the trip, everything went smoothly. "It was then that I realized if we are not careful when everything is going just right in life there can be a temptation to forget our Heavenly Father and give credit to ourselves for our happy state," he said. "Don't make that mistake."

On the third day, the cyclists encountered steep grades as they crossed the Divide. "I learned that even though we may have some uphill struggles in our lives, our attitude will determine how we face them," Elder Banks said. "By setting worthwhile goals and keeping your eyes fixed on them, you will learn self-discipline and accomplish much."

He urged young men of the Aaronic Priesthood to set goals for themselves, such as completing seminary, serving an honorable mission, graduating from college and being worthy of a temple marriage. "At your age, these may seem like very big goals, but if you start climbing now you will be so much better prepared to accomplish them."

Elder Banks told of a canoeing trip he took in the wilderness area of Ontario two years ago with Elder Richard G. Scott of the Quorum of the Twelve. The weather turned bad and the two had to decide whether to push on to their planned destination or head for the nearest island in the lake and wait for the storm to pass. They decided to wait on the island, a decision that turned out for the best.

"Here in mortality, we are called upon to make serious decisions," he commented, "the outcome of which can have a lasting effect upon our spiritual future. I encourage you to always be worthy to seek the Spirit to help you always choose the right.

"As our family concluded the 225-mile bicycle journey we learned that no matter how difficult things can become on this road we call life, great happiness is waiting for those who keep the commandments and endure to the end."