Maxine's Story
Relief Society
Much could be written about the (almost) six. years I served as the Relief Society President. Memorable experiences---tragic events---the struggle through difficult assignments and the joy of working with sisters I loved. How did I balance my duties to my ward with the responsibilities to a growing family, husband and home. One brief experience is a good example of how this untrained and ill prepared president who was frequently called on to comfort and counsel, managed to bumble through.
It was a cold wet Tuesday morning. Nonetheless Relief Society went well. The lesson was Spiritual Living---more specifically "Priesthood and Eternal Marriage"---beautifully done!
I was conducting, so at the end of the meeting I stood to close. I could see right away that we had a problem.
Alice wasn't happy. In fact she was crying. Alice's good husband was not a member of the church and it was pretty obvious to all of us, he was never going to be at least not in this life. Alice's chance for eternal marriage looked pretty dim.
She was distraught. Offering what comfort I could, I sat down and just held her in my arms. Everyone soon hurried on their way home including finally my counselors, who having cleaned and straightened, quietly slipped out. It was just me and a weeping Alice and I cried with her. She was not to be consoled.
Time passed and eventually my legs began to cramp. Shifting around I straightened them out while slowly our eyes followed. There on my feet they rested, and for a moment there was not even a sniffle. I was wearing two different shoes.
Suddenly we were laughing. Laughing until the tears started again, only this time they were tears of joy and friendship. Healing tears of hope and faith in Heavenly Father's plan for all his children. They were tears of gratitude for every blessing he gives us including a healthy sense of humor.
When all else fails sometimes this gift will put things back into proper perspective and we can balance whatever load we must carry. Alice left unencumbered by her fears, putting her trust in a loving Heavenly Father who not only will lighten our burdens but will also show us the way.
It is my hope that Heavenly Father has a sense of humor too. Actually I believe He does---after all he did make camels ....
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