Bearing one another's burdens....

A couple of experiences this week helped me better understand a part of the promise we make when we are baptized.  It says in Mosiah 18:8-10, "As ye are desirous to come into the fold of God, and to be called his people, and are willing to bear one another's burdens, that they may be light; Yea, and are willing to mourn with those that mourn; yea, and comfort those that stand in need of comfort, and to stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places that ye may be in, even until death, that ye may be redeemed of God, and be numbered with those of the first resurrection, that ye may have eternal life--Now I say unto you, if this be the desire of your hearts, what have you against being baptized in the name of the Lord, as a witness before him that ye have entered into a covenant with him, that ye will serve him and keep his commandments, that he may pour out his Spirit more abundantly upon you?"

This is a wonderful scripture with many important reminders.  I was inspired this week by a couple of examples -- people who have already done so much good in their lives, people who probably have very few self-inflicted burdens of their own because they have made good decisions, but are then willing to spend a good portion of their time caring for others, helping them, bearing their burdens that they may be light.

I'm sure they still have challenges, worries and concerns of their own.  We all do, but they are willing to give more.  They have the capacity to help and do.  They don't just sit and enjoy the happiness of their good choices and blessings, but look for and accept opportunities to bear others' burdens.  The very heartache they have tried to avoid in their lives by their choices and actions are often the exact situations where they go in to mourn with and lift and strengthen others.

As Lucy Mack Smith, mother of the prophet Joseph Smith, said, "We must cherish one another, watch over one another, comfort one another and gain instruction that we may all sit down in heaven together."

I love this and I'm grateful for examples of Christ-like living that strengthen my faith in Him and His gospel.  To truly be happy I think we can't be content with sitting down for too long while others need help.  It's kind of what it's all about.  We find greater happiness for ourselves and are able to share it with others when we pray for, look for and take the opportunities to serve, bless, lift and bear one another's burdens that they may be light.