Do General Authorities Ever Get Bored Or Lose Hope?

[Duncan]

I was wondering if the brethen ever get bored or just get tired of dealing with the same stuff year in and year out. I know that one stake isn't like another and every place they go has their row to hoe but wouldn't they get tired of it all and sometimes lose hope? I mean the constant speaking,mission tours,meetings interviews, travelling and trying to shore up people's faith and all the while hearing about the stuff that goes on in the Church despite all the good they do, trends, bad stats and problems that are hideous to deal with. I think I would lose me mind, What do you think? (not about me losing my mind because...!)

[KevinG]

I would think so - they are human. Even Christ who was perfect expressed his weariness at his disciples lack of faith.

When I have to answer the same question, objection or correction for children, scouts, investigators and members it helps me to remember this. Even though it may be the 100th time I've addressed the issue it may be the first time for the person I'm addressing it with.

[Hamba Tuhan]

I'm obviously no General Authority. Instead, I work with the Young Men in my ward and also serve as the stake exec sec. Still, I have to admit that I find my Church life nothing short of exhilarating. Sure, there are things which are hard to bear, like people choosing misery over happiness or choosing to stand so far aloof from the Gospel that they reap few of its rewards, but the joy and the peace and the thrill of the victories far outweigh all of the above. Our bishop's current first assistant was completely inactive (and beyond goofy) 18 months ago. Now he's a stalwart man of God who, just a few days ago, told me that he'd got talking about religion with one of his schoolmates, and they'd ended up finding an empty room so that they could pray together. He told this boy that he knew--based on his own experiences--that God loves him and will answer his prayers. I feel uplifted and inspired every single time this particular Young Man talks to me. Boring? Nope! And definitely something to renew hope.

[cdowis]

I think of a General who is in the middle of a war.

He is constantly occupied by the task at hand, and any discouragement he hides from himself and others. This is just not a luxury that he can afford.

I recently had my old bishop tell me what it is like to be a counselor in the stake presidency. He tells me how much he misses being a bishop, compared to what he is doing now. I imagine that he does not have the personal contact that he had before, dealing with personal issues so closely, compared to "presiding" over those who do have that contact.

I guess a General Authority would feel that loss as well. He spends alot of his time sitting on the stand and attending meetings. Fortunately they have found ways to cut back on the endless travel by using technology.

[bookofmormontruth]

I can only relate it to missionary work. When you forget yourself and lose yourself in the work, nothing in this world is more enjoyable.

[Hamba Tuhan]

I can only relate it to missionary work. When you forget yourself and lose yourself in the work, nothing in this world is more enjoyable.

Amen!

[Deborah]

I would think that there are times they get exhausted and frustrated, but I also think they see more of the big picture and that is why they are able to keep going and do things that seem overwhelming to most of us.

[19nazzy]

I'm guessing they are way too busy to get bored. I'm sure some of the difficulties they come across year in and year out can be frustrating, but it's the same for all of us.

[Jeff K.]

I was wondering if the brethen ever get bored or just get tired of dealing with the same stuff year in and year out. I know that one stake isn't like another and every place they go has their row to hoe but wouldn't they get tired of it all and sometimes lose hope? I mean the constant speaking,mission tours,meetings interviews, travelling and trying to shore up people's faith and all the while hearing about the stuff that goes on in the Church despite all the good they do, trends, bad stats and problems that are hideous to deal with. I think I would lose me mind, What do you think? (not about me losing my mind because...!)

I'll ask Sidney Rigdon.