Each of us is on a course in this life that is designed to accomplish certain things.  We may have certain gifts and abilities that differ from those around us, or they may be surprisingly similar.  However, it can be terribly confusing and frustrating if we try to judge our worth or value by how we compare to those around us.  So, don’t fall into that trap.  The goal “seems” to be to take what we’ve been given, and go and do, and become, and that may mean something different for us all. Heavenly Father seems to have something specific in mind for each of us.

One of my favorite songs from the 60s is Bridge Over Troubled Waters by Simon and Garfunkel.  Their song had great lyrics and music, but for me there was a sense of spirituality in their message that transcended what they wrote.  Consider:

When you’re troubled, feeling small, and tears are in your eyes, I’ll dry them all.  I’m on your side.  Oh, when times get rough and friends just can’t be found, like a bridge over troubled water I will lay me down.  Like a bridge over troubled water, I will lay me down.

How can we use that message?  In D&C 81:5 we find the words:  Succor the weak, lift up the hands that hang down, and strengthen the feeble knees (end quote).  I interpret this to mean that we are to be there for others and assist them in ways that we are capable. I think that’s what the Savior would have us do.  We have limitations, we can’t walk on water, and we don’t have all the answers to all the problems, but we do have some of them.  So maybe it’s OK to go and do and become.  

We’re servants of the Most High, His Son is our Chief Exemplar, and we’re here to progress into the next phase in our Eternal development.  Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf wrote:  What we love….will determine who we become (end quote).  

We have a small amount of knowledge that is sufficient to help in mortality.  It’s OK to use it.  It’s OK to touch and teach and encourage those around us.  And it’s OK to grow beyond where we’ve been.  In fact, Elder Neal A. Maxwell emphasized:  How can we truly understand who we are unless we know who we were and what we have the power to become (end quote).  

May we continue to go and do and become until we’re called home. Trust yourself and trust Heavenly Father’s Plan for you.  Value who you are.

John Waterbury is a retired Clinical Mental Health Counselor who has lived in Utah since 1984 when he moved to Bountiful with his wife and four children. Since then, he has written a weekly column for several years for the Davis County Clipper titled “The Dear John Letters” which was also used throughout the intermountain West focusing on addiction and mental health problems. This new column will focus on mental health and life management issues. λ