*snip*
...Joseph is an interesting (and admirable) example to us all. I was just reflecting how interesting it is that Joseph's story is one of the only stories even in scripture where we are motivated to think of being given lots of work as a blessing. Not that we have a problem with work, I mean, but when the people of Alma are taken prisoners by Amulon and the armies of the Lamanites, we usually focus on the persecution and eventual deliverance. We don't typically say, "Alma and his people were so trustworthy that soon the Lamanites were having them do ALL the work!" And yet, with Joseph, that's essentially what we do. Joseph gets enslaved and he's so good at work that he eventually gets put in charge of all the work in Potiphar's household. He gets thrown in prison and soon he's the overseer of all the work in prison. He talks to Pharaoh and Pharaoh decides to make Joseph in charge of getting all the work done to keep the whole kingdom fed throughout the years of famine.
I do think it's a really healthy perspective to have, and one we should keep in mind often. It just struck me that this is one of the few places even in scripture where this perspective is readily visible. It dovetails well though with the Savior's teachings on "...and whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain."
-Max
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I could not love thee dear, so much,
Loved I not honor more.
