Sisters and Brothers—
In a few settings this week, I’ve been reminded of a story shared by Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf in the October 2008 general conference.
“Some years ago in our meetinghouse in Darmstadt, Germany, a group of brethren was asked to move a grand piano from the chapel to the adjoining cultural hall, where it was needed for a musical event. None were professional movers, and the task of getting that gravity-friendly instrument through the chapel and into the cultural hall seemed nearly impossible. Everybody knew that this task required not only physical strength but also careful coordination. There were plenty of ideas, but not one could keep the piano balanced correctly. They repositioned the brethren by strength, height, and age over and over again—nothing worked.
“As they stood around the piano, uncertain of what to do next, a good friend of mine, Brother Hanno Luschin, spoke up. He said, “Brethren, stand close together and lift where you stand.”
“It seemed too simple. Nevertheless, each lifted where he stood, and the piano rose from the ground and moved into the cultural hall as if on its own power. That was the answer to the challenge. They merely needed to stand close together and lift where they stood.
“I have often thought of Brother Luschin’s simple idea and have been impressed by its profound truth. Tonight I would like to expand on that simple concept, “lift where you stand.”
“Lift Where You Stand,” Dieter F. Uchtdorf, October 2008 general conference
For many of us, we’ve experienced the challenge of moving a heavy object. Even with a group of people, large objects are heavy, bulky and hard to maneuver. However, as each person worries about their stretch of real estate, collective capability gets the job done.
Sometimes in life, we have physical obstacles to move. Other times, they are emotional, spiritual or societal challenges that seem to hedge up the way to our happiness and joy. Yet, too often, we get overwhelmed by the enormity of the situation, frustrated by our inability to take care of the situation alone and paralyzed by the task at hand.
Each of us should remember that in the community of Christ — surrounded by people who have taken His name upon them — no one should feel alone. A sense of isolation is a powerful tool of Satan in his unholy desire to force us to be selfish, look inward and feel hopeless. As we open ourselves to asking for support and help, we will be blessed by the humility we show and the chance we have to draw closer to others through shared experience.
In my years in this ward, even before I was the bishop, I have had the chance to be in people’s homes during challenges. I’ve also seen that these challenges rarely come at convenient times. But, regardless of when I’ve been asked to help, as I’ve accepted the invitations, I’ve never regretted giving up something I was doing for the chance to lift others in some small way.
My challenge to each of us is to lift where we stand. That means being dedicated to being self reliant. But it also means knowing when to ask for help in moving the piano — metaphorically and physically. I challenge us to answer the call for help when it comes, even if the timing isn’t convenient or the task isn’t desirable. It will be in these moments that we truly feel like servants in the vineyard of the Lord.
I look forward to seeing so many of you today in sacrament meeting. We welcome Group 2 (H through P) and Group 3 (Q through Z) to enjoy in-person sacrament meeting at the church. Group 1 (A through G) are invited to watch sacrament at home. The link for sacrament is listed below:
http://mywebcast.churchofjesuschrist.org/Events/spanishforkutahriverstake
Those unable to attend in person are authorized to administer the sacrament in their homes. As always, the sacrament should be performed by worthy priesthood holders of the appropriate office.
I love you all and pray that the Lord’s Spirit will be with you throughout the Sabbath day and into the rest of the week.
Bishop Bennett
Upcoming Events:
Youth Music Festival
Mar. 17, 6 p.m.
This festival for youth and their parents, can be found at the “Strive to Be” Channel on YouTube or the church’s website.
Feed Utah Food Drive
Mar. 20, 9 a.m.
Bags will be passed out this week by the primary. Young men and young women will be gathering donated items starting at 9 a.m. on Saturday. Please consider donating to this great cause.