Affliction and perspective

A couple of things have had me thinking about the role adversity and affliction play in our lives. First, was the very untimely (from our perspective) death of Frank Jameson. Forty four years old, in good health, didn't wake up from a nap. Second is an assignment from Bishop Landon of the Osgood ward -- lead a discussion on adversity in the next fifth Sunday lesson.

Adversity is an element of the Plan of Salvation. It's easy to say the (and see it) in the abstract, but much harder to comprehend its role when in the middle of it.

As I read the scriptures this morning and thought about what Seth and Jessica's death has taught me, I though that the biggest lesson is a sense of perspective. It is much easier to look at some "thing" that is happening and measure it. Is this really a "big thing" or is it just a momentary annoyance?

While this enhanced sense of perspective should be with me all the time, even the ability to draw on it is a blessing.

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