Suffering and an eternal perspective

Yesterday I came down with a rather uncomfortable illness (UTI) and have reflected on how blessed I am to live in the United States where medical technology is such that I could go to the doctor, pay $160, and be healed! It's so sad that still in the 21st century much of the world still suffers from illnesses and other social problems that have such simple cures. I wonder at the seeming injustice among human suffering. Some people, like me, are born into a life of comfort, prosperity, and ease where some people struggle every single days of their lives. It just doesn't seem fair. However, I loved what I read last night in Virginia H. Pearce's book, "A Heart Like His" (isn't it amazing how topics you're struggling with or thinking about are almost always addressed in your gospel study?!). She said, "I am blessed, personally, beyond measure.... When I stack my obstacles against others' they seem too frivolous to be authentic. And yet, this mortal existence is designed by a genius, so that we will all, no matter our circumstances or parentage or gifts, have to exercise our agency to come to Him. And so though my problems may seem small to an outsider, they are big enough for me to desperately need Him." I pray for an eternal perspective to be able to apply this knowledge, not only in dealing with my own issues but in understanding why other people have to suffer the way they do. I have to trust that God, in His infinite wisdom, allows each individual to have the mortal experience they need to best prepare them to return to Him. And I can be thankful for my life and the blessings I enjoy.