Cry unto Him over the flocks of your fields

Last week I ponderized (a combination of memorize and ponder) a passage of scripture from the Book of Mormon in Alma verses 17-27 that instructs all to continually pray. And in continuous prayer, we all should pray over our households and over the crops and flocks of your fields, among other things. I don't have any literal crops or flocks, but I am a new therapist working with a variety of clients who depend on me to help them improve their communication abilities.

Well, it just so happens that I had a child on my caseload who seemed to be at a language level that was appropriate for his age, so naturally, I should discharge him. I don't know why, but I was really stressed about it. The thought came to my mind, "he is part of your flock--pray about it." So I did. What a profound thought (at least to me)! To take tough decisions about my caseload to the Lord in prayer. I did just that, and well, I felt a confidence that I was doing the right thing and with that confidence, I went forward with my decision. During the meeting his mother told me that just that morning this sweet first grader had said, "Mom, I don't think I need to go to speech anymore." And he was right :). What a comfort to know that I have God as my personal work assistant when I really need Him. He cares about the details of our lives.

An excerpt from President Nelson’s address to women during General Conference:
“President Packer declared, ’we need women who are organized and women who can organize, we need women with executive ability who can plan and direct and administer, women who can teach, women who can speak out. We need women with the gift of discernment who can view the trends in the world and can detect those, that however popular, are shallow or dangerous’ Today, let me add, that we need women who know how to make important things happen by their faith and who are courageous defenders of morality and families in a sin‐sick world. We need women who are devoted to shepherding God’s children along the covenant path toward exaltation, women who know how to receive personal revelation, who understand the power and peace of the temple endowment, women who know how to call upon the powers of heaven to protect and strengthen children and families, women who teach fearlessly. Throughout my life, I’ve been blessed by such women.

Having recently graduated with my Master’s degree in Speech‐Language Pathology, I am stepping into a new career with a steep learning curve. I see clients and their parents who depend on me to give them educated advice, answers to questions, and effective treatment for speech and language disorders. I constantly battle imposter syndrome, where I have much difficulty in shaking the continuous companion of feeling incompetent. This undesired companion also invites its comrades of fear and anxiety. Daily, almost in a feeling of panic, I plead in prayer for strength, discernment and clarity of mind as I commute to work. I begin to wonder if being “the professional” will ever become more comfortable or if I should seek another form of employment. Despite these intense and very real and discouraging feelings, I have also felt recently that I must discover and develop my talents. While listening to President Nelson speak, I immediately knew that the discomfort I am experiencing in my new career is an opportunity for me to develop many talents that will be useful as a clinician, and also as a servant of the Lord. Difficulties are always time for growth.
I must learn better organizational skills, better delegation to an aide, better teaching skills, more confidence in speaking to parents and caregivers, discernment of my clients’ needs, and how to strengthen and support children’s development. I caught a glimpse of my potential as I develop these skills through this scary and uncomfortable experience of being a new clinician.

While hearing President Nelson’s words, I felt comforted, and strength to carry on. I felt more purpose to the difficulties I’m currently experiencing than becoming effective in just my career, but rather, I am also developing skills that will be useful in all aspects of my life. I must remember that I was led and directed to gain this education and to choose this career. Heavenly Father is there and through Christ, I can overcome the negative feelings that currently beset me. He sees potential in me and all of us. He knows our capabilities, and He gently guides us and supports us during difficult times of growth. He wants us to succeed. He loves us. We are His children, and we have the power within us, thanks to Christ, to become like Him. Just keep moving forward! For those who follow God’s counsel and commandments, there are good things to come!