I was lucky enough to attend Women's Conference at BYU this year with a couple of great friends. It was a fantastic two days. I heard a story on the first day that I kept thinking about this weekend. It's the story of Agnes Caldwell, who was nine years old when she traveled to Salt Lake in the Willie handcart company. After relief wagons arrived to help the desperate handcart company finish their journey, the sick and old were allowed to ride in wagons, while those who were capable walked. Agnes and other children ran along side the wagons, hoping they would eventually be allowed to ride. Agnes kept up, even after all the other children could not. The driver asked if she wanted a ride. She said yes, and was surprised when the driver held her hand, then made the horses run, forcing Agnes to run faster than she thought possible. She thought he was the meanest man alive! After a while, the driver picked her up, wrapped her in a blanket and let her ride in the wagon. She was warm and relieved. She realized while lying in the wagon that he had actually helped her. Forcing her to run warmed her up so she could stay warm while riding in the wagon. I imagined this scene in my mind and could picture the driver, holding Agnes' hand and carefully watching her. I pictured him waiting until he knew she was ready before giving her the rest she desired, then kindly wrapping her in a blanket. You can read this story and others about Agnes and her family here.
This story impressed me quite a bit because it became for me an illustration of my relationship with the Lord during trials I have passed through. I can clearly see that the Lord allows me to experience difficult trials. He holds my hand, like the driver of the wagon, and watches me until I am ready. Then, through His grace, wraps me in the arms of His love, giving me everything I need to rest and recover. In my journal I am writing down some particularly difficult trials, then listing the tender mercies and blessings I was given to help me through these difficult times of my life. Most of the time I have not been as Agnes, quickly recognizing the blessings behind life's tests and hardships. I hope that I will more quickly notice and express gratitude for these blessings as I learn to recognize them.
