All of us just have to look to realize this truth and in
faith have eyes to see and ears to hear. Do you believe that?
According to Elder Kim B. Clark of the Seventy, we do not
have to be perfect, but we need to be good and getting better. Building
the kingdom of God is our primary purpose.
But life is hard, I know. There are obstacles and burdens
and temptations. Costs are high and price dear to pay. But like a summer storm,
what we understand and experience is a fraction of the whole that is impelling
the showers before us.
That was very apparent to me as a young man growing up in
Southern Utah. When cloudbursts happened on occasion, these natural phenomena
transformed the hills, rocks, and cliffs all around our remote little town into
beautiful cascading waterfalls. This was both a surprise and an awe-inspiring
experience for me. The hard ground and impenetrable sandstone diverted the
rainfall into the crevices in the rock. The drops of rain collected together
and ran down the face of the mammoth stone walls. Soon this water joined to
fill tributaries, run into small canyons, and eventually combined into rushing
rivers of water that would cascade off the high red-rock cliffs. Many of these
waterfalls descended 800 feet or more. Sometimes their streams would evaporate
into mist before the falling water reached the rocks below. Others would slam
into the ground and cause great movement of earth and debris. Whatever the outcome,
fortunately for me the experience was memorable, awe-inspiring, and exciting.
But I realize this same natural spectacle could be devastating to others
unprepared for its arrival. I have seen great walls of water devastate everything
in their path and destroy the fauna and flora and structures of any kind in the
area. Though people could try and prepare for events of this nature, sometimes
the storms caught visitors unaware. The Narrows website at Zions National Park includes
the following warning:
Flash floods, often caused by storms miles away, are a real danger
and can be life threatening.
During a flash flood, the water level rises quickly, within minutes
or even seconds. A flash flood can rush down a canyon in a wall of water 12
feet high or more.
Know the weather and flash flood potential forecasts before starting
your trip. If bad weather threatens, do not enter a narrow canyon.
Flash floods occur even during periods of low flash flood potential.
When the National Weather Service states that there is a 30 percent chance of
rain, they are not stating that there is a 30 percent chance that it will rain.
They are stating that 30 percent of the forecast area will be affected by
measurable precipitation. Continuously evaluate weather conditions. If bad
weather threatens, avoid traveling in a slot canyon.
Watch for these indications of a possible flash flood:
If you observe any of these signs, seek higher ground immediately.
Even climbing a few feet may save your life. Remain on high ground until
conditions improve. Water levels usually drop within 24 hours. Flash floods
do occur in the park during periods of low flash flood potential. A moderate
or higher flash flood potential should be a serious cause for concern.
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Just as we cannot always forecast the effects of weather, we
cannot judge the burdens of others. There is only One who can do that.
Nevertheless, King Mosiah imparted guidelines
to help us navigate this foreign territory with confidence, and the Church
today offers many ways for us to serve and impart of our substance to fellow
travelers along the roads of life. And even when we can’t, the mercy of our
Lord and Savior Jesus Christ lifts us when we stumble.
Gratefully, we have been given guidelines (commandments if
you will) to protect and help us through life’s difficult moments. A favorite
analogy of mine is given by Brad Wilcox (Brad Wilcox – Don’t
go Bungee Jumping without the cord) He talks about the importance of the
harness that fastens the bungee cord to the participant. One would be sorely
mistaken to say “Oh this harness is too confining. I can’t jump with this
fastened to me,” while the harness and cord are actually what makes bungee jumping
possible and keeps the participants safe and alive. “But it is so restrictive.
I want to be free.” It is easy to see the significance when we consider the
implications of bungee jumping without a cord or harness or jumping out of an
airplane without a parachute. This reasoning sounds crazy to us and is not
something any of us would consider or seriously entertain. Yet this principle
has the same effect when choosing to keep the commandments. Floundering
throughout life recklessly without direction is as ludicrous as bungee jumping
or parachuting without the proper safety mechanisms. That’s why our Heavenly
Father has given us commandments, guidance, and ordinances that we might have the
direction we need so we can return to him and reach our potentials as his sons
and daughters. Yet on occasion we may be dishonest or lazy or guilty and think
there is no consequence to our poor decisions. There is always a consequence,
and whether bungee jumping, camping in Southern Utah, or living life in any
other situation, circumstance or surrounding – we can learn a lot from
following good examples and listening to those who know from experience.
Often good examples have faced similar circumstances, and we
can see how their good choices cast light on our impending decisions—if we take
time to look and see. So many good men and women and children all around us,
set an example, buoy us up, and give us encouragement despite significant
challenges. A wonderful example of this is the apostle Paul. Just doing a
cursory study of his life, I learned he was imprisoned dozens of times and suffered
continuously as he preached Christ. Life IS hard, but the hope we have in Jesus
Christ is greater. Paul knew that and because of this knowledge, he changed his
focus and spent his life serving the Lord. In very difficult circumstances, he
continued to be faithful. And whether or not he knew it then, his example
changed history. His efforts helped the struggling church in the meridian of
time and his influence changed the face of Christianity throughout the world in
that day and continues to impact seekers of light today. Some may argue that he
was an exception and out-of-the-ordinary. I agree that his life was anything
but ordinary, but an exception he was not. Many of those that stand for Christ
are ridiculed and mocked. Yet he taught that by faith, all things are possible,
and we are all compensated for diligently seeking the Savior Jesus Christ and
witnessing of him. By faith, our righteous desires are rewarded and our
suffering is hallowed for our gain. We have many examples of people who are
faithful like Paul and true to their word.
That’s not to say we won’t have challenging circumstances,
difficulties, and face hardship. We most
assuredly will. But the difficulties we meet will come to be cherished, if we
let the power of God work within us to change our hearts and gratefully receive
the perfect brightness of hope we have through Jesus Christ. The gift and power
of the Atonement of Jesus Christ is available to us all in the midst of our
challenges at the very moment of our greatest need. But because he loves us and
wants what is best for us, he allows circumstances where we struggle. Just as
we push our limits when we exercise and strive to do our best, life gives us
opportunities to enhance our commitment and gain strength by overcoming
difficult circumstances. We can do hard things. He expects that of us.
It’s not a punishment when our trainer helping us exercise asks
us to do one more rep and push our limits. In fact, we often pat him on the
back and thank him for encouraging us and helping us go the distance. We appreciate
his services to keep encouraging us to do better than we did yesterday and go
the extra mile—consistently endure to the end—especially when the going gets tough.
We will receive the righteous desires of our hearts. Life is
a necessary test. Despite the good all around us, we have many challenges, as well. Some do not have family and friends that set
good examples. Unemployment, accidents, loss, and deprivation are also
prevalent for some. Yet, the answer to
all our woes is the gospel of Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ is our watchword.
Because his gospel has been restored in its fullness, we receive of many
blessings the Lord has in store for us. Whether they come in this life or the
next, they come. We are led by a prophet of God, and the Church encourages,
helps, and inspires us through difficulties. As such, the gospel of Jesus
Christ provides a sure way to resolving our individual challenges today,
tomorrow, and throughout eternity. Without him, salvation is not possible. With
him, our salvation and exaltation is assured, if we do our best to follow him and
pursue righteous intentions.
Christ set an example for us and promises our success if we
follow him. We can receive the righteous desires of our hearts. Life is a
necessary test
Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may
behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation
of the world.
If any man serve me, let him
follow me; and where I am,
there shall also my servant be:
if any man serve me, him will my Father honor.
But if ye receive me in the world, then shall ye know me, and
shall receive your exaltation; that where I am ye shall be also.
And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and
receive you unto myself; that where I am,
there ye may be also.
I know for myself that God is real. His influence has
changed my life and altered its outcome. His handiwork has been apparent during
my time here on earth in the eyes of my wife and family and as a result of our experiences and challenges together.
Because of the great examples all around me, I have personally
seen the effects of his mercy and love for decades.
To see, all I really had to do was look.
I love you, dad
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