I've been thinking a lot about burdens and strengths lately. It is not a new principle and I'm sure many can testify to the truthfulness of it.
Here are a couple of scriptures to consider.
Mosiah 24:14-15
14 And I will also ease the aburdens which are put upon your shoulders, that even you cannot feel them upon your backs, even while you are in bondage; and this will I do that ye may stand as witnesses for me hereafter, and that ye may know of a surety that I, the Lord God, do visit my people in their cafflictions.
15 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.
Ether 12:27
27 And if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them.
Personally speaking, I recall going back to school in 2004 to earn an MBA degree while working full time. The first semester was quite rough and I was even placed on academic probation after I pretty muched bombed an Economics final. I wondered if I had bitten off more than I could chew. But I prayed and worked hard. Soon my burdens were eased and I even started to do well in my classes. By the time I entered the final semester, I was even enjoying it and craving the new knowledge.
Also while going to school, we had our last two kids. Erick was born at the end of my first semester and Camille was born in my 2nd to last semester.
I grew considerably those two and a half years.
After MBA school, I felt I could pretty much handle any work assignment. Since school, I've been placed in more difficult assignments. A pattern has developed. I struggle, I endure and then I prosper.
My current work assignment has been no differnt. Only with this assignment, we had to move to Houston and adjust to a new city, a new and longer commute, a new school, a new ward, etc. It was very rough the first few months and especially during summer. The work has not gotten easier, but my ability to meet the challenges has increased significantly.
I guess if I were to sum up the lesson to be found in these two scriptures and my past experience, I'd say, "stick with it and things will get better."
