Jun 28, 2009

179- The Burrs in Life

I love to take walks. I've been blessed with good health and lovely places to walk. I never *tune out* nature with a walk-man (did I just date myself?) or iPod. I love the sights and sounds of nature. I do some of my best thinking as I walk.

A couple of years ago I took a jaunt down to Hunter Valley (a neighborhood down by Hobble Creek) where I met a darling little donkey in a pasture. This poor little guy had burrs all caught in his ears. I knew that if he would just be patient I could remove those burrs... I could tell they bothered him. But, you see, I was a stranger and he didn't trust me.

179- burr
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Today was our Stake Conference. We had two visiting General Authorities; Elder Richard J Maynes (say Mains) of the First Quorum of the Seventy and Elder Steven J Lund of the 5th Quorum of the Seventy. Elder Lund said something that took my mind back to burrs and my little donkey friend. "We all carry just about as much burden as we can bear." He explained, as we all know, that this life is a test but the "atonement is Heavenly Father's response to injustice" in this life.

I Googled burr and found: "A burr is a seed or dry fruit in which the seeds bear hooks or teeth which attach themselves to fur or clothing of passing animals or people. The hooks or teeth can be irritants and very hard to get off of clothing, such as wool or cotton."

Aren't our burdens much like these burrs that *grab* onto us and won't let go? Are we like my little donkey friend? Do we shy away from that person who could help us... if we would just trust Him? The older I get the more comfort I take in knowing that "This life is not always easy, nor was it meant to be; it is a time of testing and proving." But if I will just remain faithful... I will lead back home... comforting thought!

2 comments:

Mom and Dad said...

"We all carry as much burden as we can bear. . ." What a statement! I am glad to hear a general authority say that so I know I am not just plain dumb for the things I get tangled up with! I am so glad for good health and energy far beyond my age.
But I like your quote, Joanie. And I appreciate your heroic courage and example. Thank you, thank you.

leannewitney said...

Thank you! :)