One early morning, my wife and I were walking up the ramp to the Idaho Falls Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to begin our assignments as temple officiators. We were walking briskly and passed an elderly gentleman making his way up the ramp as well. As we passed, I heard him say to himself: “I think I can, I think I can.”
This elderly brother reminded me of a story I learned years before of the little train engine pulling a load of toys over the mountain for the children on the other side. Other engines had refused to help because of their puffed-up attitudes of their own self-importance, but this little engine did his best, and with the right attitude accomplished what seemed impossible. It is a magnificent story of attitude and accomplishment.
There is another dimension to this attitude of “I think I can” that was brought to my attention years ago while serving as a missionary for our Church. My companion, Elder Traher had completed his mission and both of us were called into the mission office. While at the office President M. Ross Richards, our mission president, approached me. He said, “Elder Norton is here with his companion who is sick and cannot return to his area at this time. Could you be a companion to Elder Norton and serve with him as a Supervising Elder?”
I was somewhat flattered by this opportunity and responded: “I think I can.” President Richards thundered back: “YOU CAN’T WITHOUT THE HELP OF THE LORD!” I was stunned, speechless, humbled and taught all at the same time. President Richards sensed that his lesson was received and sent me with Elder Norton to Eastern Kentucky.
Now every time I read one of my favorite scriptures: I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Philippians 4:13), the lesson learned from President Richards comes back to me.
We are like the mouse who crossed the bridge with the elephant. The mouse squeaked to the elephant: “Boy we sure shook that bridge didn’t we!”
Of course, the Savior is the strong one. He wants us to turn to him and he wants us to be successful. He said: Look unto me in every thought, doubt not, fear not (Doctrine and Covenants 6:36). It is a good thing to look to Christ. He is the source of our strength.
His grace is like a moving sidewalk. When we add our stride to his help, we make giant strides and accomplish seemingly impossible tasks—much more so than when we, on our own, think we can.
Merlin Frei
Prosperwithmerlin.com