Have you ever felt heavy laden? Burdened with a load of care? Discouraged, depressed, overwhelmed, overworked, sad, lonely, left alone? I have. And...it hurts.
Life can be very, very hard at times. I've had one of those days today.
The morning began well with a nice walk around the park just as the sun was rising. I was motivated and determined to get a lot accomplished and catch-up on some projects that had been pressing on my
mind.
Fast forward a few hours and after a number of unplanned and un-welcome events I wondered how I was going to keep going and how I could ever endure the uncovered circumstances.
A friend had referred me to several talks by Elder Oaks - which I felt to read. The one entitled "He Heals the Heavy Laden" was just what I needed to hear and where I needed to focus; on the healing powers of the Savior.
Ofttimes, things are really tough. Most of us have lived long enough to know that. And...sometimes we think that our life is the hardest; at least I have. But, as we were taught in the recent General Conference, 'all these things are for our good and give us needed experience.' We need to be refined, purified and sanctified. That can only happen as we go through trials and turn to the Lord. So, I should be rejoicing by now at all the wonderful opportunities I have to be refined. :) I will try to do better while also acknowledging that sometimes things seem to be more than we can bear and that we are supposed to ask for help both from earthly angels and from heaven above.
Life can be very, very hard at times. I've had one of those days today.
The morning began well with a nice walk around the park just as the sun was rising. I was motivated and determined to get a lot accomplished and catch-up on some projects that had been pressing on my
mind.
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| I've raised my children alone for many years. |
A friend had referred me to several talks by Elder Oaks - which I felt to read. The one entitled "He Heals the Heavy Laden" was just what I needed to hear and where I needed to focus; on the healing powers of the Savior.
Ofttimes, things are really tough. Most of us have lived long enough to know that. And...sometimes we think that our life is the hardest; at least I have. But, as we were taught in the recent General Conference, 'all these things are for our good and give us needed experience.' We need to be refined, purified and sanctified. That can only happen as we go through trials and turn to the Lord. So, I should be rejoicing by now at all the wonderful opportunities I have to be refined. :) I will try to do better while also acknowledging that sometimes things seem to be more than we can bear and that we are supposed to ask for help both from earthly angels and from heaven above.
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| Us in 2011; still enduring and trying to do right. |
"Many carry heavy burdens. Some have lost a loved one to death or care for one who is disabled. Some have been wounded by divorce. Others yearn for an eternal marriage. Some are caught in the grip of addictive substances or practices like alcohol, tobacco, drugs, or pornography. Others have crippling physical or mental impairments. Some are challenged by same-gender attraction. Some have terrible feelings of depression or inadequacy. In one way or another, many are heavy laden.
"To each of us our Savior gives this loving invitation: “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). - He Heals the Heavy Laden
