Because I Have Been Given Much

I have been having a really busy semester. I am taking three classes (all of which desire all of my time; typical graduate classes) and working on two research projects in addition to working on finding a wife. At the same time, I have realized that I have gained a fair amount of weight since my mission, and so I am trying to cut back on eating and increase time exercising (or at least not sitting around my apartment or office). This leads to a tired mind, which makes my other endeavors a little more difficult.

The reason that I mention the above situation is to present the following scenario, my emotions intact. Recently I have been asked by my fellow classmates to help on some homework. This is not a problem as I love to help others with their physics and teaching is wonderful. The problem comes from my need to get more work done. Sometimes I have thought about saying no, just because I don't have time. But sometimes, when I am especially tired, my thoughts for saying no come closer to "why haven't you put enough time into your work?"

Today, as I walked home, I was thinking (as usual), singing (fairly common) and praying (not as common as I wish it were). What was interesting was that the songs that came into my head (hymns - rather common) seemed to dictate my prayer and thoughts. I know that the Spirit helped put them there. One of the hymns was "Because I Have Been Given Much". As I thought about the words, it occurred to me that I have been given much. Not just material goods, either, though I am abundantly blessed in those. I have been given a wonderful education, the ability to learn and an ability to teach what I learn to those around me.

Often I have wondered about how to apply King Benjamin's counsel about giving to the poor (Mosiah 4:13-22) to my age and life. I keep wondering whether I am to give to beggars who are more than likely not in need. But there are more needs (especially in this day and age) than just material needs. People need help and ask for it every day. It may not be for food and clothing, but it might be for a friend, for a kind word, or it might just be for help with homework.

"Perhaps thou shalt say: The man has brought upon himself his misery; therefore I will stay my hand, and will not give unto him of my food [homework help], nor impart unto him of my substance that he may not suffer, for his punishments are just -

"But I say unto you, O man, whosoever doeth this the same hath great cause to repent ...

"For behold, are we not all beggars? Do we not all depend upon the same Being, even God, for all the substance [knowledge, abilities] which we have ... of every kind?" (Mosiah 4:17-19)

I am grateful that I did help those who came to me for help. I am grateful that they were willing to ask me for help, that they trusted me that I would help them if I could. Indeed, I have been given much; from my family, from my teachers and, most especially, from God.

"Because I have been given much, I too must give;

Because of thy great bounty, Lord, each day I live

I shall divide my gifts from thee With ev'ry brother that I see

Who has the need of help from me."

(Hymns #219 - Because I Have Been Given Much)