Lessons from the Prophets

So it's been one of those weeks. And it has only added on to it being one of those years. This weekend I had a great opportunity that I expected to be the light at the end of the tunnel. And it was. Well it was actually the light in the middle of the tunnel and it was super dark before and after. As I was waiting in line for this experience, it dumped rain on me. It finished putting me into some despair. I am not sure why at the moment I felt like that. I had been protected and watched out for the whole way, but the increasing load blinded me. During this brief moment of despair I felt like I was losing everything that I had going right in my life. Again, I am not sure why, because it wasn't true. Anyway, the thought came out of nowhere that I need to study the story of Job.

Then I remembered an experience a couple of years ago during high school. I had begun reading the Book of Mormon over again. The best part about reading it, is it starts with one of my favorite characters and stories, Nephi. His story came alive so vividly to me this time around. The reason why? I felt exactly like him. No I didn't move across unknown seas. No, I definitely was not called to be a prophet or to lead my people. But I was living among some really wicked people. My high school was filled with people who had lost their way, or didn't know how to find the way. And to then add to it, I realized that I was called to be an example to my older siblings. I felt the pressure to be righteous. My Heavenly Father was teaching me the importance of how to apply the scriptures to my own life. I related to Nephi and so his words became that much more meaningful to me. 

Now here I am. 19 years old and it is my second year at BYU. And Heavenly Father is teaching me yet another important story from the scriptures. Apparently the way I learn is by having to see it myself. Some what unfortunate but I am and will forever be grateful for these lessons He is teaching me. 

So today I started my journey of learning about the story of Job, and how I can apply his story to me. I began it by reading a conference talk given by Elder Robert D. Hales entitled Examples from the Life of a Prophet. The fantastic thing about this talk is that he discusses a modern day Job. A real person that I can follow the example of so much easier. And that is President Kimball.

Elder Hales discusses the three great tests that we will likely face at some point in our lives. They are:

1. Temporal Setbacks

2. Physical Illness

3. Depression

Now I will admit, that when I read this, I felt as though I am experiencing a little bit of each of these at once. Obviously not to the extent that either Job or President Kimball felt. But in the Beth scale amount. So this talk was definitely what I needed to read today. 

Elder Hales says that the greatest lesson from these two story is that "in all this Job [or President Kimball] sinned not, nor charges God foolishly." Job 1:22 

One of my favorite ways to apply the scriptures is to insert my own name. I can only imagine how amazing it would be to be able to right in my journal, "In all this [Beth] sinned not, nor charged God foolishly." In some ways, this time around I can say this. However, I know that I still have a long way to come and that I didn't do it perfectly. How can Beth improve? I am so glad that you asked because, Elder Hales covers this as well. Using the example of President Kimball the way to go is to hold strong to your integrity and testimony and sing praises of the Lord throughout trials. We can do it. Hold on despite despair. Be grateful for the trial placed before you. Don't try to go alone, but recognize that you need Heavenly Father's help. 

Ok. I can do those things. Is there anything else? Reach for the one. Think of the needs of everyone else around you. This is the hard part for me. I can pray and ask for help no problem. I KNOW that I have no ability to make it through this life alone. And I can be grateful. I KNOW that when I receive small inspired thoughts, a stranger reach out, an unexpected visit with a friend, or a perfectly timed letter from missionary friend that they are sent from God. That they are for me and what I need. I can even hold to my testimony now. I KNOW that it isn't punishment for me to go through these trials, but rather love. Love that molds me into what I need to become. However, I have struggles with forgetting myself and serving those around me. I get so locked into wo is ME, help ME, I hurt, send ME love. I forget about how are YOU, what can be done to help THEM, here are cookies for YOU, and a prayer for YOU. On the rare occasion that I do look to help others, it helps me to forget about my problems and relieves the pain and hurt that I feel. 

Elder Hales discussed a time that he was with President Kimball and health concerns for the Prophet arose. President Kimball's response was "What I am afraid of is that I will meet the Savior and he will say 'You could have done better.'" How amazing for a prophet of God to say that. I hope and am working toward adopting that same attitude. Giving all I can to the one. Focusing on what I can offer others, rather than what others offer me. 

Another great attitude that comes from President Kimball is his talk "Give Me This Mountain". A wonderful talk to be studied and discussed another time. But it is the attitude of bring it on, I got this that I want to focus on. Rather than running and hiding from the trials that are meant to mold and shape us into the people that we want to become, embrace them and say, "You and me, Heavenly Father. We got this."

Give me this mountain, Heavenly Father. I know that with thee I can do all things. I know that the comfort thou hast given me during this time in my life has been as monumental as the trials that I am called to pass through at this time. I wish to not sin or charge thee foolishly. Give me this mountain, because I know thou will give me the walking stick and strength I need it.