Put Your Shoulder to the Wheel

DISCLAIMER:  I have only the best of intentions in this and other posts. This isn't focused on any individual.  I have no ulterior motive. My tone is not one of accusation or veiled insinuation or sarcasm.  I simply want to clarify my position.  : )
 

First of all, I respect anyone who asks questions about FAITH.  I'm grateful my own dad listened to my questions and respected my concerns and frustrations about the Church when I was young.

Asking, seeking, wondering are the norm for a person of faith. Questioning is necessary for one to demonstrate faith.  My questions are constant, even now.

How does the honest seeker-of-truth differ from the doubting cynic?  They both ask questions but with different purposes.  One carries a spirit of doubt, of anger and fault-finding--a different spirit than those who really want answers.  The genuine seeker-of-truth seems humble. The two attitudes may start from a similar place, from feeling somehow bruised, but they're not the same. 

Secondly,  we're supposed to have our faith tried.  No one need be alarmed when their spiritual ship hits stormy seas or flounders.

                 Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you as 
                 though some strange thing happened unto you.  1 Peter 4:12

As the trials of my faith have come along, I've learned they're purposeful, a part of Heavenly Father's Plan for each of us.  The trials make us stronger as we await a witness.

          11.  I will try the faith of my people.  3 Nephi  26:11

           
           6.  Wherefore, dispute not because ye see not, for ye receive no witness  
               until after the trial of your faith.   Ether 12:6

When my faith is being tried, I've felt a need to act.  I can't bear to let the dark clouds hover over me and just sit there.  At those times, "the need for constant nourishment" takes on even greater meaning in my life.  Scriptures and prayer are not enough.  I need more--Conference talks, fasting, good books--whatever it takes.

Third, what about those who say they're happier living without Church constraints, doing what the want, avoiding the hassle?  Well, who is to question them?  I believe them.  And I guess that will work for them; it's one way to learn.

In the cultural hall at Indian FHE.

When I was pregnant in Riverside I was very busy in the Ward and in the Indian Branch.  I was a counselor in the Ward Primary and a Relief Society teacher, at the same time I was helping Dad with Indian Seminary.  That meant weekday RS and Primary, getting all our little children ready to to take to Monday night FHE at the Church, teaching in the Branch, weekend activities, etc., etc.

One day I told Dad I was overwhelmed.  He listened to me and then calmly went to the phone and called the Bishop.  Without emotion or unkindness, he asked for me to be temporarily released from everything until after the baby.  And our good Ward totally respected the request.

It WAS a relief.  We Mormons are busy people and to stop everything like that felt like a nice change. All I had to do was get my family ready and attend our meetings.  After the baby came and I was feeling better I got back to work at my callings.  Later, in talking to Jennie about my recess I told her, "It was dangerous."  When she asked why, I said, "Because I liked it."

So if I liked it, why did I get back in the harness?  Because I want the greater good of Church service.  The Restoration is real, the Church is the Savior's work, and it's a privilege to live at this time and participate.  It's what we came to Earth to do.

And to be clear, I like serving and being active, too. It's a busy life, as President Uchtdorf points out here, but for me it's a rich, full, edifying and interesting life.  

I understand that there are those who believe differently.  We're each having our own earthly experience, answering to the same loving Father.