Have there ever been times when you felt alone, vulnerable, helpless—or maybe all three? I know I have. In fact, I feel those emotions right now as I navigate a circumstance with which I’ve never before been faced.
Navigation is an interesting concept. It involves accurately assessing your position then planning and following a route that will get you to your desired destination.
If you’re like me, your desired destination is exaltation in the highest celestial kingdom of God. To go back home to Him who gave you life. And if you’re like me, accurately assessing your current position might leave you a little crestfallen as it magnifies just how much territory looms between you and your desired destination.
When I recently went through the exercise of navigation, I was initially overwhelmed—but almost immediately, I envisioned the glorious scene shown above that I captured on a springtime drive through Utah's breathtaking American Fork Canyon.
In the beauty of this scene, I saw an entire lifetime of effort.
I am the fresh, new growth—shrubs, really—springing up from the river’s water, the symbol of all life. Just above me are those people in mortality—friends, teachers, church leaders—who stand tall enough to help me. I am blessed to have some of the best. Above them, the stately pines—my parents, my grandparents, and the rest of my ancestors, observing me keenly and breathing to my spirit which route I should follow. And above them all are the ancient, towering rocks—my Father, my Savior, and the Holy Spirit, guarding and directing and whispering the way in their effort to bring me back home; in their massive strength, they fervently guard me against those who would sway me forever off the path to the destination I so dearly hope to reach.
So, you see, I am not alone. I am not helpless, even though I might be nothing more than a tender new blossom like ones here. Because I have an entire assembly of guards, cheering me on as I navigate the next level on my way to a place where I can thank all of those guards face-to-face. You do too.
