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.

Two Different Things In Common

I had the opportunity to attend a good friend of mines funeral not too long ago. He served as a Deacon in his Primitive Baptist home church of 70+ years, served on the district Sunday school board, and most importantly was a family man and man of God in word, conversation, charity, spirit, faith, and purity.

It was the first time I have been to such a funeral.

As I sat in the far back, I reflected on the short time I have been blessed to have known such a wonderful man. He, like many others who have walked this earth, was just a person... but people are all we have in this world. Someone mentioned the word reflection in their words of comfort, and it made me think of the reflection pool at Temple Square in Utah.

My family and I visited it not so very long ago, and of course a small company of boys love to throw anything they possibly can into a pool of water, even if just to see the reflection shimmer and wave. I noticed that even the tiniest of ripples that started in the very center would make their way towards the outside edge.

As I looked around at this funeral, I saw all those who had come to pay their respects to this man, and it made me think... Each of our lives are like pebbles being tossed into a reflection pool. All of us make ripples, even simply being here has far reaching effects, many of which we cannot see. The choices we make determine how widespread our ripples are, and to what outcome, for good or for bad. This man set a good example, a life full of positive and Christlike ripples.

 As you study the life of Christ, you grow a sense of wonder at the mighty miracles and compassion the Savior showed unto those around Him. You recognize that he took time for the individual, being full of patience and love, serving and blessing the downtrodden and the afflicted. Though many of the recipients of Jesus' miracles go unnamed, I imagine that it meant the world to them. Something that was small and easily within Christs power meant everything to the blind, the deaf, the dumb, and the lame who he ministered unto.

Do we not have a similar opportunity to serve? Are there those around us who we can be a blessing to? How many are just within reach that we might uplift and ease the burdens of?

Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.

My only question is this: Are going to toss that pebble, or are you gonna keep it to yourself?

The Comforter

Our Father in heaven loves each and everyone of his children dearly, so dearly that he always is standing with his arms outstretched and at the ready to pour out blessings upon us. One of these great blessings we can receive is the Gift of the Holy Ghost that comes upon us after baptism by someone holding the priesthood or the authority of god. Though we will always have trials in our life, the Spirit gives us guidance and comfort and strength as we remember god and the promises we make at baptism, to take upon ourselves the name of Christ in all the things that we do. This blessing of the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost is beyond value!

I have personally witnessed the ability of the Spirit of God to bless and uplift those who receive it. Though it helps with everyday struggles as well, it is most apparent in times of crisis... a father losing his job, a mother finding herself in illness, then the loss of their child. I cannot pretend to know exactly what happened in this situation or how deeply the spirit really did impact the lives of that family, but I know through listening to the prayers of gratitude that the family shared afterwords and through the ability they had to press forward in faith that their comfort came from the Spirit.

To continually bless you, the gift of peace that the Holy Ghost brings has to be given to you. Jesus said: “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid” (John 14:27). While the spirit can and does touch the lives of all mankind throughout their mortal existence, having the comforter there always must be given through the laying on of hands. As we then receive that gift and welcome it through reverence and prayer, we can all come to know firsthand the blessings that come from having someone who brings peace continually and brings happiness and light into our lives.

The influence is undeniable. The blessings are real. The Comforter is willing, so long as we are willing as well to be healed and take peace.

Additional Link:
Christ Asks Us to Come Unto Him and Be Healed
3 Nephi 9:13-14