I rode the train to the restaurant where we were eating lunch. It was a nice lunch with my co-workers. I had to leave early. It was the day my “Bonus Baby” was going through the temple for the first time. It is a big deal to members of the LDS church.
I had recently been given an assignment in my ward to be the Primary President. I was feeling quite overwhelmed, like always, and I had been trying extra hard to stay close to Heavenly Father. I felt like I needed inspiration in many areas of my life.
In my rush to get back to my car and head home to meet Emily to go to the temple, I got on the wrong train. It didn’t take long for me to realize I was going the wrong direction. I panicked and started to think. “What can I do? What should I do? Should I ride until it comes back? No time for that.”
I knew right away I needed to get off.
If I got off the train, I would have to walk for many blocks to get where I needed to be, but at least I would be going the right direction.
I got off the train and started walking. I immediately started having thoughts come to my mind. As I walked, there were a few times I felt concerned for my safety, but only for a minute. I prayed the whole time asking Father to help me make good time, be safe and get to where I needed to be. The life lesson was clear:
1-If you are headed in the wrong direction, stop heading in the wrong direction. Do whatever it takes to change directions. You can always stop going the wrong direction.
2-It may take a while to get back to where you were, but it is worth it. It may take you through difficult places, but you can do it. It will take more effort than you would have had to put in if you weren’t going the wrong direction, but it’s still the thing to do.
3-You “can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth” you! (Phil 4:13). Focus on the light. Focus on the goal. Keep moving.
My goal was to get to the temple with my baby. To be close to God and have the spirit with me. I made it, and it was a wonderful experience.
I heard a quote that is so powerful to me:
“But if we’re facing in the right direction, all we have to do is keep on walking. If it takes a year, or sixty years, or five lifetimes, as long as we’re heading towards light, that’s all that matters.”-Joseph Goldstein
Another favorite:
2 Nephi 31:19-21
19 And now, my beloved brethren, after ye have gotten into this strait and narrow path, I would ask if all is done? Behold, I say unto you, Nay; for ye have not come thus far save it were by the word of Christ with unshaken faith in him, relying wholly upon the merits of him who is mighty to save.
20 Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life.
21 And now, behold, my beloved brethren, this is the way; and there is none other way nor name given under heaven whereby man can be saved in the kingdom of God. And now, behold, this is the doctrine of Christ, and the only and true doctrine of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, which is one God, without end. Amen.
What direction are you facing?