The Spirit's Extension: Resilience and the Tax of Service

We’ve all felt the weight of obligation. Not just the annual scramble to file returns – though President Eyring's personal anecdote resonated deeply – but the deeper sense of being stretched, depleted, and tested. The word “tax,” as he so eloquently points out, carries a broader meaning than mere monetary contribution. It speaks to the emotional and spiritual burdens we carry, the demands placed upon our patience and faith.

And in these latter days, those burdens often feel intensified. The disruptions of the past few years, particularly for those laboring within institutions of learning like BYU-Idaho, have demanded extraordinary sacrifice. The pandemic forced a rapid and often exhausting transition to virtual instruction, requiring faculty and staff to adapt and innovate under immense pressure. But as President Eyring observed, these taxing experiences, though difficult, weren't borne alone.

Professor John Fiser’s account of adapting a histology course to a virtual environment is a testament to this collaborative spirit. The ingenuity and dedication required to teach microscopic anatomy without a microscope – digitizing slides and employing virtual tools – speaks to a profound commitment to their students. This wasn’t simply about delivering content; it was about ensuring the wellbeing and continued academic progress of each individual.

This spirit of collaboration, of willingly shouldering another's burden, is a hallmark of discipleship. It echoes the Savior's own example, who, as Paul reminds us in Romans 3:25, “hath borne our sins in his own body on the tree, that we might die unto sin and live unto righteousness.” The tax of sin, the debt we could never hope to repay, was paid in full by His grace. And in turn, we are called to extend that same grace, that same willingness to serve, to those around us.

The Brethren have consistently emphasized the importance of resilience in these challenging times. It's not merely about bouncing back from adversity, but about being strengthened *through* it. As Isaiah 40:31 reminds us, “But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; they shall walk, and not be faint.” This renewal doesn't come without effort; it requires conscious striving to qualify for the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost.

The faculty at BYU-Idaho understood this. They proactively reached out to their students, offering support and understanding during a time of great uncertainty. They held virtual office hours, adapted teaching methods, and prioritized the individual needs of each learner. This is the essence of true pastoral care, a commitment to nurturing not only the intellect but also the spirit.

Consider the implications for our own lives. Where are we feeling the tax of responsibility, the weight of obligation? Are we extending grace and offering support to those around us? Are we diligently seeking the Spirit’s guidance to navigate the challenges we face?

President Eyring’s words serve as a powerful reminder that even in the midst of taxing experiences, we can find strength and solace in the Lord's grace and in the unwavering support of our community.