Moooooving Mountains

Random acts of service are... well, random. Who would have thought that volunteering to help at the local library meant shoveling mounds of fecal matter for several hours. While it was tough work bending down constantly and scooping poo, someone had to do it. With the help of other volunteers, a beautiful garden was planted and the Petaluma Library front entrance had a welcoming face lift. Shoveling cow waste is like a trial or obstacle we face in life--it stinks! At first glance we might think: how can a ton of fertilizer possibly be moved? Though it initially appears difficult and daunting or even overwhelmingly stressful, there are tools to help us through those hard times. A shovel together with a wheelbarrow are wonderfully useful. Likewise, we can use the tools gifted us to accomplish difficult tasks. As missionaries, we face difficult tasks such as building up the faith of members so as to help them to share the gospel with their friends or finding people to teach in an area that has recently proven unfruitful. We have, however, wonderful tools such as the bishop, the ward mission leader, and, of course, the members to help us be successful. In the end, what we put into our trials and challenges is what we get. “[One] of the greatest secrets of missionary work is work! If a missionary works, he will get the Spirit; if he gets the Spirit, he will teach by the Spirit; and if he teaches by the Spirit, he will touch the hearts of the people and he will be happy... Work, work, work—there is no satisfactory substitute, especially in missionary work” (President Ezra Taft Benson). If we are willing to work and place our faith in the Lord, we can overcome and endure the tough times well. Whether a mound of cowpie or a mountain, our faith (work and belief) can move it.