janet, your comment was the bring-a-lump-to-my-throat type. I will never forget saying good-bye to my grandma and realizing how much like an infant she was. It was so sobering, so humbling, and a bit frightening to realize how common that is. I really need to review this doctrine often because of my natural-(wo)man tendency to want to avoid pain and discomfort, to be in control.

LeAnn, I think most of us have challenges of one sort or another with our bodies, don’t you? I have a good friend and former church leader who was known to say, “If you haven’t had health problems, you will” — all in the spirit of this reality that we are here to be tested and refined.

Mona, thanks for your article, which is, again, what was got me wanting to share what Elder Bateman said. I love how matter-of-fact our leaders are about this element of the plan. I guess it is strange how surprised I still feel by how hard it can be to be in this mortal tabernacle, even with the doctrine we have. Again, I have to keep reminding myself of it time and time again to keep that eternal perspective.

Thanks for all your kind thoughts and encouraging comments. Having wise people around me also helps make my burden lighter. 😉

~Michelle