One of the constants of the universe is entropy. Without the input of external energy, things tend to wind down, degrade, decay, fall apart. We interpret this from a personal perspective, and perceive that the universe is treating us unfairly. Somehow, we have the notion that the universe has to act according to some set of rules, rules that make sense to us. This leads to a lot of confusion, and genuine hurt.
Elder L. Whitney Clayton,
October 2009 General Conference explains:
In a general sense, our burdens come from three sources. Some
burdens are the natural product of the conditions of the world in which
we live. Illness, physical disability, hurricanes, and earthquakes come
from time to time through no fault of our own. We can prepare for these
risks and sometimes we can predict them, but in the natural pattern of
life we will all confront some of these challenges.
Other burdens are imposed on us by the misconduct of others. Abuse and
addictions can make home anything but a heaven on earth for innocent family
members. Sin, incorrect traditions, repression, and crime scatter
burdened victims along the pathways of life. Even less-serious misdeeds
such as gossip and unkindness can cause others genuine suffering.
Our own mistakes and shortcomings produce many of our problems and can
place heavy burdens on our own shoulders. The most onerous burden we
impose upon ourselves is the burden of sin. We have all known the
remorse and pain which inevitably follow our failure to keep the
commandments.
Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin,
October 2008 General Conference, relates his personal philosophy as his mother's counsel:
"...come what may, and love it."
I
think she may have meant that every life has peaks and shadows and
times when it seems that the birds don’t sing and bells don’t ring. Yet
in spite of discouragement and adversity, those who are happiest seem to
have a way of learning from difficult times, becoming stronger, wiser,
and happier as a result...
Learning to endure times of disappointment, suffering, and sorrow is
part of our on-the-job training. These experiences, while often
difficult to bear at the time, are precisely the kinds of experiences
that stretch our understanding, build our character, and increase our
compassion for others.
Because Jesus Christ
suffered greatly, He understands our suffering. He understands our
grief. We experience hard things so that we too may have increased
compassion and understanding for others.
Alma 7:11-12 teaches us about why Christ understands our suffering:
...he shall go forth, suffering pains and and of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people.
And he will take upon him , that he may
the bands of death which bind his people; and he will take upon him
their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according
to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to his people according to their infirmities.
I know why there must be opposition in all things. Adversity, if handled
correctly, can be a blessing in our lives. We can learn to love it.
