That Rambunctious Boy

You all know who I'm talking about. That boy that sat in front of you at church today that couldn't sit still for more than a few seconds, who gave his sister a wet willy, and who sprawled out across the pew without regard for the other people nearby. Or perhaps you were that kid today? While I consider myself to be rather disciplined and well-behaved (and now a college graduate), as I thought about this rambunctious boy, I realized we may have more in common than I first believed.

Why did his mom scold him and tell him to pay attention to the speaker? Why wasn't that enough? Why did she have to remind him so frequently? I think the short and simple answer is that he didn't understand what the point of paying attention was. Undoubtedly his parents had taught him about how we go to church to worship God and to learn about the gospel, but he hasn't quite learned those lessons for himself.

Now, how many times have you and I lacked the understanding and faith to do what God has already told us to do? For me, probably more than I'm willing to admit or even realize. Even after receiving good feelings about a particular choice or a reminder about what's most important, we can easily get off track and settle for less than we could receive. Thankfully, like that boy's mom, God is patient and willing to remind us over and over.

In truth, aren't we all a little like that boy?

2nd Place

Parking in Provo can be a nightmare. Usually, I can find a spot underneath my apartment, but several times I've seen my roommate pull in just as I am approaching the lot...and it happened again today.

Now I'm really not trying to complain. He beat me there fair and square. Luckily, I found a spot near by. This isn't the first time I have come in 2nd place and it won't be the last. Athletics, academics, dating, and employment are a few examples in my own life.

Sometimes I think I'd rather be down at the bottom of the list than in 2nd place. Coming so close and seeing success right in front of you, only to be told you just weren't quite good enough. I'm sure you know the feeling. However, one thing that I have learned is that often--after the throbbing in my pride subsides--something good comes out my 2nd place finish. So today if you feel like you took 2nd place, remember that something good is just around the corner.

If you need a pep talk today, listen to the Kid President.

Who's In the Aisle?

Today marks the beginning of a string of "lasts" for me. I had my last class, my last paper, and my last group presentation at BYU. (As an aside, I wanted to make our presentation more interesting, so I gave my part of the presentation with an accent; it was awesome) I also attended the "Unforum"  today, which is a fun event at the Marriott Center to celebrate the end of the school year. There were several performances and videos shown, in addition to some final remarks from President and Sister Samuelson.

I got there a few minutes late, during one of the videos, and it was extremely dark. There were a few lights shining down on the aisles, but it didn't help much. I could see the silhouettes of enough people to know that it was pretty packed. So I made my way toward the top of the arena, trying to find a seat. I could barely see the people in the aisle seats. I went up about 10 rows and I couldn't tell if someone was sitting on that bench or not. After agonizing for a moment, I decided I would give it a try, and I put my hand down on the bench. Thankfully, no one was sitting there! I sat down and enjoyed the rest of the program.

At times life requires us to walk into the darkness and to put forth our faith. For instance, I had to do my best to assess the seating situation and then move forward, not knowing what the exact outcome would be. We likewise need to do the best we can and then take action, trusting in God that everything will work out in the end.

Budding Blossoms

Have you ever noticed something change drastically, as if in an instant? Two days ago, as I was walking back to my apartment, I noticed that so many trees had suddenly blossomed (my allergies actually told me before my eyes did). I told my friend about my observation and he said that it had been at least a week since the blossoms began to appear. I don't know why it took me so long to notice this, but spring is certainly in the air--and on the trees.

This is a picture of the yard that is right next to my apartment. The owners don't really take care of it, and I have seen it as an eyesore for some time. To my surprise, yesterday when I passed by I noticed that there were several types of beautiful flowers that had sprung up all over their yard! The arrangement of the flowers seemed quite random, but I imagine at some point that someone had to plant them. I appreciate who ever did, because it cheered me up. Sometimes we do something nice or good and don't think much of the impact, but sooner or later, such efforts are bound to touch someone.

Bits and Horses

Yesterday I was reminded of an experience I had last summer at Philmont. For the first time in many years, I got to go horseback riding. I was the tallest person there, so of course I was given the largest horse. My sturdy, black horse was named Shadow. We spent about an hour exploring the nearby prairie. Our horses followed each other in a line, so I didn't have to do an much work in guiding my horse. I learned that one of the ways I could communicate with Shadow was by tightening and loosening my grip on the reins. I didn't realize it at the time, but the reins were connected to a bit, or a metal bar that sat in a gap between Shadow's teeth. A change in pressure of the bit on his teeth could be used to indicate my desired speed and direction. Now, I'm no expert when it comes to riding horses, and this explanation may not be completely accurate, but it works for this parable.

In some ways, we are like horses going out for a ride on the prairie. If we care to pay attention, there is a rider on our back who will direct us where we need to go. He knows the final destination and the best way to get there, but he will not force us to follow every command. We can choose to rear-up, sit still, or find our own way. Or, we can willingly obey and trust in the commands of the rider. As we do so, we begin to notice subtle signals which he gives that keep us on the best path. In this analogy, God is the rider, but he is not an indifferent rider going for a joy ride. He actually cares about His horse and seeks to help him. True, this is an imperfect parable, but it helps me understand that God loves us and wants to help us return to Him. He will help bring us home if we but listen and follow Him.

My thoughts here were inspired by listening to Elder L. Tom Perry yesterday during General Conference. Click here to read or watch his message.

Clouds

Fluffy, floating,white, wispy clouds. Today on my walk home from campus, I noticed that the clouds were touching the mountains. Later, as I was walking up to the Provo Temple, I again noticed that the clouds were descending into the valley below. This caused me to consider, what do clouds symbolize? After some thought, I came up with two possible interpretations.

Provo Utah Temple

1. Clouds are a symbol of protection. Think of what clouds do on a sunny day; they serve as a shield from the sun, both for our eyes and our skin. At other times, clouds engulf or surround something as if it were a protective barrier. 

2. Clouds are a symbol of divine guidance. This is very clear in light of the book of Exodus. After the children of Israel fled Egypt, God led them in a "pillar of a cloud" (Exodus 13:21-22). When Moses went up to the Mount Sinai to speak with God, the mountain was covered in a cloud (Exodus 24:15-16). Finally, upon its completion the Tabernacle--a holy place where God could come--was covered by a cloud (Exodus 40:35-36). When clouds touch earth, this reminds me that God speaks to us today, just as He did in times past. 

Certainly there are other things that clouds can symbolize. Take a minute to think about it. I'd love to hear what other interpretations you come up with!