Pondering on Pain

This morning, I was listening, yet again, to a Conference talk from the last General Conference. It is by Elder Richards on pain and the healing power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ.

Here is the link if you would like to listen to it / read it.

So, I pondered a lot on pain. We all have it. Both physical and emotional pain is excruciating. I have been through the latter and I thought it would never end. But, it was my Savior that healed me. It was He that understood where I had been, the number of dreams that lay shattered at my feet. It was He that understood when I did not think I could face another day or cry another tear. It is He that has healed me enough to allow me to trust again, love again, risk again.

In light of all this, I concurred with Elder Richards as he spoke of the growth that comes through pain. I am a different woman. I have grown in ways that would have been impossible with a smooth, easy life.

Now, I have been pondering on the pain that some that are very dear to me are feeling. Oh, how I wish I could take away that pain. In certain circumstances I am very aware of the heartache, for I have felt it too. But, I have been wondering....if I was given the opportunity to take away their pain, would I be doing them a disservice? Would I be taking away their opportunities for growth? I think so.

It gives me a new perspective on the Savior. He is with us with every step. He dries our tears. He carries us when we cannot walk, but He does not take it away. I can learn from Him. My role is to support, lift, and sustain, but not to take away.

Hmmm...random thoughts on a Thursday morning when J is gone on a preschool field trip.