Burdens

Yesterday in class we talked about burdens and what they were. After several answers, all which had a negative connotation to them, the instructor asked if there were such things as positive burdens that we bear. Interesting question. In the Ensign it states that the way we respond to trials can have a great effect on whether they become roadblocks in our lives or expressways to learning and growth. When we anguish over difficulties, the experiences only serve to weigh us down. Remembering that these trials are part of the great plan of happiness helps us to see them as opportunities to grow and learn.
A common misunderstanding among members of the Church is that if we strive with all our might to live the commandments, nothing bad will happen to us. Not true. Remember that Orson F. Whitney of the Quorum of the Twelve explained:" No pain that we suffer, no trial that we experience is wasted. It ministers to our education, to the development of such qualities as patience, faith, fortitude and humility. All that we suffer and all that we endure, especially when we endure it patiently, builds up our characters, purifies our hearts, and makes us more tender and charitable. It is through sorrow and suffering, toil and tribulation, that we gain the education that we come here to acquire. Spiritual growth can often be achieved more readily by trials and adversity than by comfort and tranquility."
We are not always healed from pain and sickness, sometimes we are "healed" by being given strength or understanding or patience to bear the burdens placed upon us. (Dallin H. Oaks)
I am grateful for the Gospel in my life because I have felt the tender mercies of the Lord in my life many times. Knowing that the Lord knows me personally and knows how best to help me reach my potential here on this earth, helps me to have faith that all will be well even and especially in times of trial.
Love to everyone and happy day!
Thought for the day: Be confident enough that you won't settle for a compromise just to get by.