My journey

As a young man, I loved to explore and hike. In the lush LaSal mountains or the rugged Grand Canyon, every chasm, every trail was another adventure. I remember fondly the excitement of anticipating what would be around the next bend. Similarly, my recent job search in a round-a-bout way has led me to where I really wanted to go.

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I actually began writing this post eight weeks ago before receiving my answer from the MTC. I had a lot riding on that decision but was confident in God's will. I know the Lord is mindful of our need and is directing the outcome. When I realized the opportunity before me, I knew from the beginning that all would be right. It was quite literally a revelation. So many have offered faith and prayers in my behalf. Interestingly, I have often felt pure knowledge coming from above, when writing papers for classes at the university, for instance. Frequently, I would spend hours preparing and composing work—occasionally all nighters. Then when the thoughts began to flow freely, recording the information was capturing complete thoughts and phrases as quickly as I could write. Encounters such as these can be numbered among the most invigorating and stimulating experiences of my life. I felt that again then as I reviewed my job search, and perhaps, pondered the opportunities confronting me. While I don't know the outcome, I do know that it will confound the arm of flesh. I don't need any further witness than that. Whatever the conclusion, I am confident it is in accordance with the will of the Lord. Many jobs have eluded me, but in hindsight I will see his purpose directing me. This is applicable in all aspects of our lives, because the Lord knows the end from the beginning. And when we align ourselves with him, we are covered—even when things turn out differently than we first expect. Many experiences in my life have demonstrated this truth. I recall an instance captured in my journal when looking for a new place to rent upon our return to Provo from California. I quite literally had to find a place for my family to live. We were a newly-wedded couple of only 3-4 years and available apartments were few since school was nearly ready to begin. An indepth review of posted vacancies resulted in no leads, so I said a prayer, hopped in my truck, and started driving. I remember thinking that I might as well start looking in the most-preferred location and found myself approaching a neighborhood up by BYU. We could live just minutes from campus. I drove east of the Wilkinson Center and shortly spotted a small home with a For Rent sign in front. Upon further investigation, the sign had just been posted that morning and the landlord was in California and glad to have us rent his home. There was a tenant in a basement apartment, and if we would collect both payments and send them to him each month, he would be willing to discount our rent—another blessing. That's just one of dozens of examples I could share with you. I know the Lord stands at the door and knocks. If we show faith and open the door, he will come in to us and provide the direction that we seek. Rev. 3:20 Even when Mary and Joseph prepared for the birth of the babe that would be the Savior of the World, everything didn't go as they must have expected. Yet it all worked out perfectly and fulfilled the prophecy of ages. And so it is with us when we do our best to prepare for life's challenges and follow the guidance of the Spirit. Then we can indeed look forward to whatever is next.