The weak things of the world

This post is part of the General Conference Odyssey. This week covers the Saturday Morning Session of the April 2008 Conference.

It was weird reading the talks from this April 2008 Conference just a week after the October 2007 talks! That conference ended with President Hinckley saying "We look forward to seeing you again next April. I’m 97, but I hope I’m going to make it." But then he didn't make it! This conference session was a solemn assembly sustaining President Monson as the new President of the Church.

I've been reading my mother-in-law's journals from when she was a young mom (she gave them to us for Christmas this year) and just loving them so much. It is fascinating to get a glimpse into what those years of motherhood felt like to her, and I relate so much to both her struggles and her joys. It has made me feel so thoughtful about how fast time goes, the different stages of life, how to measure progress, and a million other things. And one of the main things I have felt as I've read the journals is just a love for who Sam's mom was back then and who she was trying to be! (I love her now too. But it's been fun to get to know her past self!) She was often so tired and discouraged, so sure she wasn't doing anything important, or failing at what she was doing! I just want to take her by the shoulders and say "Stop that! You were amazing! Look at all the good you accomplished! Look at all the people you blessed! Heavenly Father must have loved you and appreciated your efforts so much!" And it's made me want to see my own efforts and failures with a little more perspective as well!

Anyway, having all that on my mind, I really liked this part of Elder Wirthlin's talk:

Everyone has felt tired and weary at one time or another. I seem to feel more so now than I did when I was younger. Joseph Smith, Brigham Young, even Jesus Christ knew what it meant to be tired. I do not wish to underestimate the weight that members of the Church bear upon their shoulders, nor do I minimize the emotional and spiritual trials they face. These can be heavy and often difficult to bear.

I do, however, have a testimony of the renewing power of the gospel of Jesus Christ. The prophet Isaiah proclaimed that the Lord “giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength.”

For you members of the Church who hold back because of feelings of inadequacy, I plead with you to step forward, put your shoulder to the wheel, and push. Even when you feel that your strength can add little, the Church needs you. The Lord needs you. Remember that the Lord often chooses “the weak things of the world” to accomplish His purposes.

To all who are weary, let the comforting words of the Savior console you: “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Let us rely on that promise. The power of God can infuse our spirits and bodies with energy and vigor. I urge you to seek this blessing from the Lord.

I think that's such hopeful counsel and such needed advice. My mother-in-law was so sure she was inadequate, but she was laying the foundation of a great work, and having so many experiences she needed for her own growth! It was hard to see at the time, but looking back it's so obvious! She gave her all to the Lord, and was renewed and strengthened by Him. She may not have felt that "energy and vigor" all the time, but the Lord used her efforts to accomplish such beautiful things! I need to remember that He can use my efforts in the same way.