Get used to different

I recently watched The Count of Monte Cristo. I was fascinated by the actions of Edmund Dantes, whose world came crashing down in a staggering act of deliberate betrayal borne of envy and greed. Wearing only rags, Dantes exists for 14 years in filth and suffering in the Chateau D’if. During his incarceration, he meets an imprisoned priest who becomes a light of knowledge and hope. He opens Dantes’s eyes to better things to come. The priest dies, and Dantes secretly sews himself up in the priest’s body bag. With an attached ball and chain of iron, he is dropped from a cliff into the sea. Dantes cuts himself out of the bag at the very last possible moment and bubbles up to the surface, free to live again and to continue struggling with the conflicts within himself.

While few of us will suffer as Dantes in the Chateau D’if, we may at times retreat to dark places within us—our own little dungeons of gloom or despair. It is interesting that Dantes was able to endure his misery with the help of another. Sometimes when we feel stuck in darkness, the Lord sends someone to enlighten and lift us.

Despite a pandemic and social unrest, my angel family and others brought me light and hope. A few months ago, I was feeling isolated. It was a Sunday evening when my doorbell rang. As I opened the door, there stood a friendly family from church. They began singing, “I stand all amazed at the love Jesus offers me…” I knew at that moment that the Lord had not forgotten me. I was not alone in my loneliness. The music performed on my front porch soothed my soul and filled me with heavenly hope. The Savior’s love and light had lifted me.

The Lord, Jesus Christ, came to redeem mankind from sin, death, sorrow, and loneliness. His grace made it possible for us to be healed from all manner of difficulty. He invites, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden light” (Matthew 11:28-30).

In the New Testament dramatization called “The Chosen,” Peter struggled when Jesus called Matthew to “follow me.” The problem was Matthew was a tax collector and very much hated by the Jews. As a fisherman, Peter acknowledged that he was called to follow, but pleaded, “this is different; he is a tax collector.” Jesus instantly responded, “Get used to different.”

I believe a self-inventory would indicate that each of us has a little Peter in us. We think the world ought to be a certain way, perhaps our way. When things don’t work out the way we envision, it is easy to build walls between ourselves and those who see or act differently. “Get used to different” means that it’s time to reflect upon how my strong-willed personality reacts when things don’t go my way or when others have different opinions, perspectives, and life choices. Just as Dantes was forced to adapt to a difficult circumstance, Peter was expected to fellowship with someone he considered an enemy.

Christ may intervene personally in our lives, or he may send one of his servants. He may inspire us to reach out with compassion to others who suffer. These healing connections bring light and solace. We live in a time of change and unique challenges. As we “get used to different,” we are not alone. Jesus Christ is present in our lives. When we “yoke” up with Him and each other, we can lift even the heaviest loads with His love.

Ray Hafen is a special education teacher who finds fulfillment in supporting young adults’ transition into meaningful community life. He has lived in Wasilla for 13 years and is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.