Various - Sharing the Light

Mark was about the most pleasant young man anyone could meet. He constantly smiled, and radiated concern for others, and showed true friendship. Thats why his friends encouraged him to run for student-body president. His narrow defeat (by only eleven votes) to a good friend seemed only to enhance his positive outlook and charismatic personality. When he ran for senior-class president, he won easily, and his warmth and sense of humor helped make the year memorable. In time his mission call came, and off he went to serve his Heavenly Father making an offering of all his admirable qualities to the Lord. Then came the leukemia, a trip home to seek medical treatment, and a courageous return to the mission field in an attempt to complete his assignment. He wasnt able. Marks cancer was not curable. He passed away at age twenty.

Think with me for a moment. If Mark could get permission to return to mortality for just five minutes, what do you suppose he would he say to us? Would he say that his greatest accomplishment was being elected a class officer in high school? Would he tell us that dating was the highlight of his life? Would he even say that friends mattered most? I think that one of the central messages he would deliver would be to strengthen the covenant relationships in our lives our family relationships.

How much time do we spend thinking of our someday-dreamcompanion? How much energy and money do we expend hoping and preparing for Mr. Right or Miss Marvelous to come into our lives? But, what about the other eternal relationships in our lives Mom and Dad, brothers and sisters? That may make you uneasy. You are probably thinking, Eternity is a long time! Will my brother still be the major eternal tease of the next life? Will I have to put up with my sister borrowing my clothes forever? And will my parents still be telling me what time to come in at night when I come home from the next galaxy?

Of course we know that many things will be different there, but shouldnt we spend a portion of the time, effort, and money we use up in the dating scene (trying to find an eternal companion) to strengthen the eternal relationships that have already been established?

Does that mean you have to double-date with your parents every other Friday? No. But it might be fun sometimes, because they usually will pay the bill! Lets see what the scriptures tell us about strengthening family relationships.

You have probably read the story of how Nephi left Jerusalem with his family to journey to the promised land. In fact, you have probably read it many times, because this story comes before the Isaiah chapters in the Book of Mormon, and they make a lot of people stop reading and start the book over.

One time our family decided to try to duplicate what it was like for Nephi and his family. I got home from work on a typical Monday afternoon, and walked in the house to find my children seated in a row. They had bandannas tied around their heads and puzzled looks on their faces.

So, whats up? I asked.

They replied, Dad, Moms being weird!

Just then, out of the corner of my eye, I noticed my wife descending the stairs with a bow and an arrow in one hand and a bandanna in the other obviously for me.

So, whats going on? I asked again.

She said, Come, were going to the wilderness!

We all marched out into the backyard and into the trees beyond, where a boldly lettered sign was displayed THE WILDERNESS so we knew we had arrived.

As we sat down, my wife inquired, What if we never went home again?

The Tank, my seven-year-old (whose first word in this life was food), said, Ill starve to death!

Mom retorted, Oh no. Dad brought his bow and arrow, and you will be just fine.

The Tank looked skeptical and replied, Oh yes we will starve. I dont think he knows how to use it!

What do we need to take with us, if we are never going to go home again? Mom asked. The children began making their lists. We quickly found out that girls pack differently for an extended vacation than boys do. But, if I had read my scriptures more carefully, I would have already known this. In his account, Nephi explains that as they left Jerusalem, his family consisted in part of Laman, Lemuel, and Sam, and that they took provisions and tents and departed. (See 1 Nephi 2:4-5.) Sounds like boys going on a scout camp. No curling irons, make-up, and so on.

However, Ishmaels family (many daughters) was different. The scriptures tell us that Ishmael and his entire household took their journey into the wilderness! (See 1 Nephi 7:5.) We found this true in our little family the boys lists were brief but my daughters oh boy!

Finally, my oldest daughter mentioned that we would need to take our scriptures. (We give away double refreshment coupons for correct FHE answers.)

Right answer! I declared. Who will go and get the scriptures?

Jonathan jumped up and said, I will, if I can go by the fridge!

He returned with an Old Testament wrapped in tin foil that said Brass Plates on the front.

Seeing him approach, my wife exclaimed, Here comes Nephi!

Nope, he said, its only Jonathan.

Well, you look like Nephi.

Oh, yeah? Well, what does he look like?

Hes tall, and strong, and handsome, and powerful, and good.

Yup. Thats me!

We then talked about having a Nephi-attitude being willing, and not complaining as opposed to a Laman-and-Lemuelattitude. (We shortened it to a lemon attitude.) The only time those two didnt complain was when they were asked to go back for Ishmaels daughters!

We then slept for a couple of minutes and awakened to find the Liahona in our camp. It was an automotive wax can, wrapped in tin foil, closed with a transparent lid, and with a message inside. (I hope thats not sacrilegious, but it