"moving forward the work"

"We must do all that is required in moving forward the work of the Lord in building His kingdom in the earth. We can never compromise the doctrine which has come through revelation, but we can live and work with others, respecting their beliefs and admiring their virtues, joining hands in opposition to the sophistries, the quarrels, the hatred - those perils which have been with man from the beginning. Without surrendering any element of our doctrine, we can be neighborly, we can be helpful, we can be kind and generous."

-Gordon B. Hinckley

“The Dawning of a Brighter Day,” Ensign, May 2004, 81

I have this quote taped above my sink so that I can read it while I am washing the dishes (which is for me a warm, zen-like, meditation activity). Today, as I observed the activity last minute lobbying for votes, and reflected on the effort and passion that has been invested in Proposition 8, I realized how important the principles President Hinckley outlined four years ago are this year. We have worked to fortify the kingdom and to keep principles of righteousness from being legally compromised. It has been a delicate balance to truly show respect for those with other beliefs, especially on occasions when that respect has not been reciprocated. It will not get any easier from here on out. President Hinckley's statement is as true today as it was then, and it will be true in the future. Now we have a little practice, we need to make sure we don't forget what we have learned and felt. I think we will need it again.