Someday I'll Get It Straight

I made the fatal mistake of procrastination yet again; someday I'll work on that. For now though, I am left with an idea for yet another gospel related comparison.

Let me set the scene for you, if you please...

The time has come where with my turning 21 years of age, a couple of things are in transition and need my attention. First and foremost on my list that I ignored: renewing my drivers license. I saw it coming from miles away, I received a reminder call from the office fleet director, I even wrote it down on sticky notes and hid them around the apartment to pop up and remind me at random times.

Yeah, There Was Even One In There Too...

Alas, I let it go until I was in panic/scramble mode. Tactical error? Of course, but admitting it at this point doesn't help me too much! From that point I started to get angry with myself, then the Idaho DMV, then the whole renewing concept entirely. Why should I have to renew my license? C'mon, nothing changes and im still a good driver, whats the idea of just putting me through hoops?

Well after that I calmed down, we took care of business, and happily ever after happened. But the concept of renewal stuck with me. Then I made the gospel related leap.

With a drivers license for someone who has never driven before, there are steps you take to get one. You figure out the rules of the road, you gain experience in a parkinglot somewhere, take a written exam, then get checked off on the road test. You sign on the dotted line saying that you will obey the rules of the road, and submit that you are capable and responsible for what goes on when the wheels are rolling. Then you're all set! Freedom!

When you renew, its basically a declaration saying that you are still on board with all you previously did in a way that enables you to keep the privileges of driving you obtained through the licensing process.



The concept of renewal with baptism is something that is thankfully a very big part of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Every Sunday we take the sacrament. The sacrament is an ordinance in which Church members partake of bread and water in remembrance of Jesus Christ's atoning sacrifice and renew the covenants they made at baptism. These covenants or promises are that you are willing to comfort those that stand in need of comfort, be witnesses of God at all times and in all places, and keep His commandments. Through keeping these promises and renewing them every week, all the blessings God promises at baptism remain available to you, "that he may pour out his Spirit more abundantly upon you" (Mosiah 18:8-10).

It also gives me time to ponder upon the Savior and what he freely offers. I sometimes think about where I was a week ago, a month ago, a year ago and so on. I cannot always see the change and growth I experience on a day to day basis, but I sense it and come to appreciate the love and patience of someone who didn't have to sacrifice for me but did. I am grateful for a gospel that allows change and a renewal of that commitment to following the Savior. Robert D. Hales said,

More than just thinking about the facts of the Savior’s suffering and death, our pondering helps us to recognize that through the Savior’s sacrifice, we have the hope, opportunity, and strength to make real, heartfelt changes in our lives.