January 1, 2012

We can push ourselves out of the lives of those most dear to us. Why, you say? We fear that we are not worthy of their love, their friendship, and their commitment, so we figure that we will just get the jump on them and do it first.

The story goes that a fellow was taking a trip across a barren part of Arizona when he remembered a shortcut. He needed to get to his home and familiar surroundings and this shortcut would get him there a whole lot sooner. He began his drive across the shortcut and was making great time when his car began to sputter and then die. He had run out of gas. He decided to get his gas can and continue on the shortcut, find gas and continue on his journey. Surely there was a farm or other outpost not too far off. He walked for what seemed to be an eternity; then, just as he was about to give up, he saw a very dim light way off in the distance. Hope springs eternal. His energy renewed, his attitude of positive determination recharged, he moved forward quickly. The light began to appear larger and brighter. He was making progress. As he got closer to the light he could see the dim outline of fences, outbuildings and a home. It was a nice home and he couldn’t wait to get there and get some gas and be on his way. Then, he began to out think himself. What if there was no gas? What if there was no one home? Worse, what if they shot at him, or laughed at him, or simply ran him off? By this time he was well onto their property and could clearly see the windows, the lights within the home, and the people within, but he had become so angry, so frustrated and prone to the negative, he made the fatal decision that, in fact, they would never give him anything that would assist him on his journey home; took the gas can in his strongest hand and slung, crashing through the second story picture window while he exclaimed, “keep your dang gas”.

We have each made this kind of decision in our lives. These decisions come with varying consequences; some with less; others with eternal consequences. Each time I read scriptures where people fall away from the Iron Rod or hear of people making similar detours in their lives I try to reinforce my resolve, my testimony the goodness of life, of the wonder and love of our Heavenly Father and the absolute gift of the atonement of Jesus Christ. Once, I recall President Spencer W. Kimball noting in a conference talk that his most sincere desire was that he would have the strength to endure to the end.

God bless each of you as we each struggle with the deamons within and strive to overcome the natural man.

Duane Jacobs, father, grandfather, uncle, cousin, and friend