The question surfaces in casual conversations: If the Mormon Pioneers could peek into our era today, how would they react?

Answers usually vary. Some feel the pioneers would see the revealing fashions and lack of manners in society today and be disappointed. Some feel they'd be mesmerized by the vertical skyline, the jets and horseless carriages. Others say they would marvel at the state's prosperity — all the large homes and factories.

The pioneers themselves were forward-looking people. It's been said Brigham Young made all the main streets along the Wasatch Front run north and south because he envisioned them linked as the corridor of a grand civilization.

The early settlers may have lacked many things, but grand aspirations and visions of grandeur were not among them. And though much has changed in 157 years, we'd like to think the Mormon Pioneers would recognize a few things today and be pleased they hadn't faded.

The busyness of the Beehive State comes to mind. The pioneer motto of "Industry" and the symbol of the hive represented a people who worked hard, completed tasks and were engaged in worthy causes. And Utah today remains a hub of activity. Yes, downtown may be undernourished, but the recent tax surplus, the flurry of road repairs and the sound of builders at work in the valley show the state is hardly stagnant.

The way Utahns pitch in to help each other would be appreciated by early settlers. The state leads the nation in voluntarism and charitable contributions. There are gaps in the system and some people do get lost in the shuffle, but Utahns, by and large, look out for others.

Finally, if the pioneers could see the upcoming celebration, they'd likely be touched and humbled — and perhaps feel a twinge of pride — that the state remembers their sacrifices and hard work. We'd like to think they'd be pleased to be honored by the running of a marathon; for the pioneers, in their unique way, were champion marathoners.

They were in it for the long haul. They had the grit and determination needed to move ahead through pain, fatigue, discouragement and doubt. They liked to quote Paul: "Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain."

Paul was talking to the Greeks — a forward-looking, active people who knew a little about running races. But we think he'd likely pass the same advice along to the Mormon Pioneers, as well as all the Utahns today who look to lengthen their strides.