Without Notice

On Tuesday evening, I was sitting outside with my EFY group having a discussion about the day and what we learned. Out of no where, we heard a "psssst" sound as sprinkler heads popped up all around us. With what seemed to be lighting-quick reflexes, everyone jumped to their feet, grabbed their bags, and ran for dry ground. The youth were quite distracted after that, and it seemed to me that it would be difficult to recapture their attention. Then I thought of my blog and I asked, "How could we make this experience into a parable?" A lively discussion ensued. Here is the summary of their thoughts:

• If we listen, the Holy Ghost will always warn us before temptation strikes. No one is immune to temptation.
• When we get a little wet, we don't give up and lay down in the sprinklers to get soaked, we get out of there. Similarly, if we make a poor choice and sin, that is no excuse to keep sinning. Get out of there!
• Sometimes when we face difficulties we tend to worry only about ourselves. Save yourself, but look around to see who else you can help in the process.

We learned from our experience and did not sit on that patch of grass again on the following evenings. I love looking at simple experiences like this through the lens of parables.