Can’t see the forest
for the trees
That phrase was confusing to me when I was a child. There
were lots of perplexing concepts when I was young, but as I became an adult,
many of these ideas no longer baffled me … like perpetual happiness. Nobody can
be happy all the time, can they? I don’t know, but I know Someone who does. And
I don’t need to understand all things right now. For now, my faith in Him is
enough.
Early in the Book of Mormon, an angel asks Nephi a tough
question: “Knowest thou the condescension of God?” Nephi’s answer is a perfect
statement for us to remember in times of trial. “I know that he loveth his
children; nevertheless, I do not know the meaning of all things” (1 Nephi
11:16–17).
Maybe I didn’t see it because it was always there. We have a
tendency to take things for granted that are ever-present in our lives, even
when these things are of premier importance.
Family history, serving those all around us, living like we
believe—when we do these things, the promised blessings are ours. It is not
just a good idea or positive perspective. It is a fact. But how do we respond
when times are tough and the chips are down?
Stand down is a
military term from Vietnam where GIs back off the field of battle and others
take watch, so troops can get showers, put on uniforms, or sleep knowing that
the perimeter is safe.
Today, I barely remember the horror and sacrifice
experienced by many young people of that day. My brother was 18. I was just a
child at the time. Thousands died in the conflict. Thousands more lives are
impacted nowadays as a result. So I connect with the Stand Down organization providing relief for veterans in an effort
to give back to those that sacrificed so much then and still do now.
But the concept of service is everywhere, sometimes in the most unexpected places. I have a new favorite baseball team ... the San Diego Padres. Why? There are many possible reasons, but for me it’s because they are involved in serving others. It takes character and bravery to stand up and be counted. That’s why I admire them.
Without fanfare or attention and sometimes without even
acknowledgement, hundreds serve anonymously in many different capacities. But
the similarity in them all is that the participants love it.
“Not very many people get to witness miracles all the time,
and I do—all the time.”
“I know what it feels like. We are all children of God.”
”Nothing like I thought it would be.”
I don’t know that those you serve will remember or fully
appreciate your time, effort, or sacrifice—how could they—but I know that you
will never forget it. The experience becomes a great blessing in your life. That’s
what He promised us: hope, happiness, peace, and forgiveness.
In the parable of the ten virgins in the New Testament, Jesus
Christ taught that five of the ten virgins were unprepared without oil at the
coming of the Bridegroom. This is of such significance that the parable
mentions that these had to leave to replenish the oil in their lamps. While the
lacking virgins were gone to obtain oil for their lamps, the wedding started
and the door was shut without them. As sad and upsetting as this may be, there
was no accommodation made for them. Without oil, these virgins were unable to
enter the wedding feast, which signifies the import of being ready with oil in
your lamp now. The oil could signify numerous things. What then is this
"oil" in our lives today and why is it so important? I propose it
could be unselfish service in others' behalf. We can't borrow another's
experience providing service, but participating brings us happiness now and
hope in the future. That conviction explains to me the oil in the virgins’ lamps.
Service blesses all those about us and illuminates our own
lives, as well.
Many youth today participate in service organizations. Their
projects span every quarter of the world. Because of our abundance, many have
an opportunity to serve in numerous capacities. These organizations all do
good, and I see and feel their joy. It is apparent in their words, their
videos, and their eyes which shine. Their examples inspire and lift us all like
a rising tide lifts every ship in the harbor. Though not touted by the
brethren, the Church plays a significant role in providing relief during these
times. There are plenty of examples all over the news and the Internet. But for
purposes of this article, I have one of my own to share. It occurred many years
ago. I was a relatively young father with several children at the time. It was
Sunday and stake conference this particular week. The previous night’s snow had
blocked us into our circle, but somehow we made it to the stake center prior to
the meeting. We entered the chapel for the service to begin, and the stake
president stood up to address the congregation. He thanked us for coming to the
church meeting, and then he acknowledged the many that could not make it to the
services due to the substantial snowfall. He encouraged us to follow the
example of Jesus Christ and asked us to return to our neighborhoods, so we
could help and shovel the snow from our neighbor’s walks and attend to their
needs. Then he dismissed the meeting perhaps ten minutes after it started. We
went back to our home and changed our clothes, then as a family we joined
dozens of others and helped dig people out of the snow and provide access to
their garages and homes. I am sure that none of my neighbors remember that we
were there, but I will never forget it.
That is just a small example, but through my life I have
witnessed thousands of them.
Perpetual happiness starts right now by following the words
of Jesus Christ and doing the things He has asked us to do. Our actions are confirmed
with that warm feeling. That I know. Excuses are not the answer; obedience is.
And with that comes understanding and peace now and perpetual happiness in the
world to come.
We bear witness of Jesus Christ as we follow his example and obey him.
