Bear Up Their Burdens With Ease

This lesson comes from a talk last April at General Conference given by Elder Bednar.
"The unique burdens in each of our lives help us to rely upon the merits, mercy, and grace of the Holy Messiah." Do you ever stop to think about this when you are in the midst of a seemingly impossible challenge? I have to admit that these words are not my first thoughts but I do know that we can immediately go to the Lord with whatever challenge has come our way, no matter how heavy that burden feels.
Sister Hole related the story of the man who wanted a new 4 wheel drive truck and eventually, through "counsel" together, the family got the truck. He decided to go haul firewood for their home one wintery day. The short end of the story is that he got stuck in the snow. He decided to load the truck anyway and just give it a try. Once the truck had a full load, he was able to get out of the snow because he had traction with a full load.
That load is what makes us stronger in our lives. I am certain we can all recall a time or situation that was especially difficult, a heavy burden. It is the load that will get us moving forward toward our Father in Heaven.
" Two guiding questions can be helpful as we periodically and prayerfully assess our load: “Is the load I am carrying producing the spiritual traction that will enable me to press forward with faith in Christ on the strait and narrow path and avoid getting stuck? Is the load I am carrying creating sufficient spiritual traction so I ultimately can return home to Heavenly Father?" Elder Bednar then states that we sometimes think that not having any burdens is a desirable state but that we shouldn't cling to only the things that seem to make life easier. We need that spiritual traction. Maybe get that picture in your head of you trudging upward on a difficult climb, with your feet slipping, dirt falling away but dig in with your hiking shoes and clamber upward. Can you feel the balls of your feet and your leg muscles working right now?
"The Savior said:

“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

“Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.

“For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:28–30.) What better scripture can we find than these? When we pull together, whether it is with a friend, sister or the Savior, our burden immediately becomes more bearable. I think one of my favorite stories in the Book of Mormon is when the plea is made to Father to make the burdens light, not to take them away for they knew it wasn't possible, but make them easier to bear. (in case you want to read the real version) "“And now it came to pass that the burdens which were laid upon Alma and his brethren were made light; yea, the Lord did strengthen them that they could bear up their burdens with ease, and they did submit cheerfully and with patience to all the will of the Lord” (Mosiah 24:15; "

The atonement helps us overcome our sins but it also "enables us to do good and become better in ways that stretch far beyond our mortal capacities" Never fear, you are greater than you think!

Sisters talked about finding balance in life and putting first the things of the Lord. If we are too busy to read the scriptures, then put something aside that is of lesser value and read your scriptures. Learning to prioritize is a great lesson. We need first to learn this concept and then teach that to our children and grandchildren as best we can, especially through example.

You are never alone. You are always loved by our Father in Heaven. Dig in with those shoes of traction and walk upward, no matter what. Maybe we can think of ourselves as being in an eternal gym getting the best personal trainer of all time and space. How about that when you think you can't carry on?

Your bloggess,

Janice