Regardless of the Lot Drawn
My ramblings continue to flow through my head. I guess I just need to get them out in the open.
I have been carrying a thought in my head for over a week now. Someone dear to me shared how their eyes have been open to see that change, even if for the better, is not always easy. As I have pondered this thought and the circumstances around them, I have wondered how I might help. Then I attended a funeral and as previously mentions started seeing things in different light.
When I talked about the choice to fall from the presence of our Heavenly Parents, I have often wondered what that meant.
Were we at a period in our pre-mortal existence where we were beginning to question our parents? If our lives there were anything like our lives here, I would have to say yes. Had we come to a point that we believed the only reason our parents told us positive things about us were because they had too, because they were our parents? Did we wondered if they truly understood our challenges, both internally and externally? How could they possibly understand or have such insight?
As I review my own life, I know I have been there? I know I have come back many times and said, "you were right." Isn't this what the Plan tells us it is all about. We are not here to prove to our parents that they were right, but to come to know for ourselves, our own personal realization, that they were right, just, and merciful.
Now you know what has been running through my head of sorts, but how does that relate to the person I was talking about at the start of my rumblings?
I see these things this way because of the way I have been raised. I was fortunate enough to draw a lot that put me where I am, with the family I have, and have been given the instruction, nurturing, and insights throughout my entire life. What about those who have not drawn a similar lot? How do they have claim on the same right, justice, and mercy?
As sure as I know the nose on my face, I know that it is the same. Way back when, before I join the mortal rat race, I made a choice. I may not have fully understood the ramifications of that choice. I could not understand the challenges it would bring, but I know that it was my choice.
I also know that when I made that choice, somewhere along the line I was going to have to learn the same lesson each of my siblings would have to make. We would have to choose to accept that what our parents told us was right or continue pushing against them, denying that they could know us that well, and fall further from them with each choice we made down that path. (though I did not capitalize upon it, the acceptance of knowing that our parents were right also have their own challenges - CHANGE)
We chose to be here. We did not choose the circumstances in which we would exist. I am sure that none of us wanted to be dropped into poverty, war zones, battered homes, concentration camps, ghettos, projects, or any other such circumstance. However, I do know that whatever circumstance it may be we always have a choice. I have witnessed siblings do amazing things living within such circumstance to survive, move forward, make it a better place, or get out. But it all comes down to a choice.
I also know that regardless of the circumstance, we have all been given the same light to guide, strengthen, uplift, warm, and protect us, if we choose to see it. To see it, we have to open our eyes. To feel it, we have to soften our hearts. To be guided, we must follow it. All require an action on our part. All of us have the choice. Even in the war zones. For those reading this far, take a look at Alma 44:1-4. The choice was still given. I am sure that war paint had to be removed, clothing changed, mannerisms, beliefs, and life styles abandon. But all with a choice and promise for the better.
I have been carrying a thought in my head for over a week now. Someone dear to me shared how their eyes have been open to see that change, even if for the better, is not always easy. As I have pondered this thought and the circumstances around them, I have wondered how I might help. Then I attended a funeral and as previously mentions started seeing things in different light.
When I talked about the choice to fall from the presence of our Heavenly Parents, I have often wondered what that meant.
Were we at a period in our pre-mortal existence where we were beginning to question our parents? If our lives there were anything like our lives here, I would have to say yes. Had we come to a point that we believed the only reason our parents told us positive things about us were because they had too, because they were our parents? Did we wondered if they truly understood our challenges, both internally and externally? How could they possibly understand or have such insight?
As I review my own life, I know I have been there? I know I have come back many times and said, "you were right." Isn't this what the Plan tells us it is all about. We are not here to prove to our parents that they were right, but to come to know for ourselves, our own personal realization, that they were right, just, and merciful.
Now you know what has been running through my head of sorts, but how does that relate to the person I was talking about at the start of my rumblings?
I see these things this way because of the way I have been raised. I was fortunate enough to draw a lot that put me where I am, with the family I have, and have been given the instruction, nurturing, and insights throughout my entire life. What about those who have not drawn a similar lot? How do they have claim on the same right, justice, and mercy?
As sure as I know the nose on my face, I know that it is the same. Way back when, before I join the mortal rat race, I made a choice. I may not have fully understood the ramifications of that choice. I could not understand the challenges it would bring, but I know that it was my choice.
I also know that when I made that choice, somewhere along the line I was going to have to learn the same lesson each of my siblings would have to make. We would have to choose to accept that what our parents told us was right or continue pushing against them, denying that they could know us that well, and fall further from them with each choice we made down that path. (though I did not capitalize upon it, the acceptance of knowing that our parents were right also have their own challenges - CHANGE)
We chose to be here. We did not choose the circumstances in which we would exist. I am sure that none of us wanted to be dropped into poverty, war zones, battered homes, concentration camps, ghettos, projects, or any other such circumstance. However, I do know that whatever circumstance it may be we always have a choice. I have witnessed siblings do amazing things living within such circumstance to survive, move forward, make it a better place, or get out. But it all comes down to a choice.
I also know that regardless of the circumstance, we have all been given the same light to guide, strengthen, uplift, warm, and protect us, if we choose to see it. To see it, we have to open our eyes. To feel it, we have to soften our hearts. To be guided, we must follow it. All require an action on our part. All of us have the choice. Even in the war zones. For those reading this far, take a look at Alma 44:1-4. The choice was still given. I am sure that war paint had to be removed, clothing changed, mannerisms, beliefs, and life styles abandon. But all with a choice and promise for the better.
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