Is there no other way?

I don't think anything has had a bigger impression on my life than this quote. I ask it often. I used to feel guilty for asking it. I apologetically would kneel and ask if there was any other way for me to either grow closer to our Savior or to do his work. 

As life has gone on. I am reminded that even our Savior himself asked his father, God himself, is there no other way. Please remove this cup. But not my will but thine. 

I've realized that if I can kneel down, completely willing to one hundred percent follow God's will, it is okay to ask, "this is really hard. It is pushing me to my brink. To my edge. Is there no other way? Yet, not my will, but thine be done."

As I lay in the hospital being poked and prodded, I asked, is there no other way? As I counted down each breath, during the excruciatingly painful night, I again asked, is there no other way? As I doubled over struggling to get one foot to walk in front of the other, I again uttered the words, is there no other way? As I battled another sleepless night struggling and gasping for each breath, I found myself desperately pleading, Father, is there really no other way? 

As my pleading prayer went on. The heart went from one of asking for easing and an alternate way to one of humble submission. I trust that God can see the big picture and I a, limited by my mortal and temporal view. I get caught up in the pain and agony. I have learned that although my Father in Heaven may tell me, "no, my daughter. This is what I am asking you to do." As he utters those words lovingly to my heart, he also assures me, he will never leave me. I am his and he will walk with me. He will add strength unto me to pull me through. He will bless me. He will walk with me and send angels to bear me up on my right and on my left. 

So when I ask, "Is there no other way?" That it is ok. I'm still ok. My Father in Heaven and my Savior know I love them. And regardless of how much I struggle with the hard moments, that I do, absolutely trust my God. I will do whatever he asks. I will submit to his will. I will cling to him and hold on tight and endure whatever is required of me.