"Didn't Even Charge Her for the Ride"

I tend to be a logical person.

The three most vivid experiences I've had connected with the spirit defy logic.

I've felt the spirit speaking to me through a shout in my head on a very quiet evening; a shout that stopped me in my tracks in a crosswalk and prevented me from getting into a car/pedestrian accident.

I've felt the spirit speaking to me through a weary Scout who suddenly wasn't weary when I asked him how he was doing.

I've felt the spirit speaking to me when I really had some heavy thoughts on my mind; speaking through a Weird Al Yankovic lyric.

As many others have said, my testimony of many things is based on my experiences with those things. And a strong testimony of one gospel aspect leads me to seek to develop a testimony of other aspects. It's not a place we get to -- it's a journey. A journey like author and columnist Jenkin Lloyd Jones describes:

"Anyone who imagines that bliss is normal is going to waste a lot of time running around shouting that he's been robbed. The fact is that most putts don't drop. Most beef is tough. Most children grow up to be just ordinary people. Most successful marriages require a high degree of mutual toleration. Most jobs are more often dull than otherwise. . . .

Life is like an old-time rail journey—delays, sidetracks, smoke, dust, cinders, and jolts, interspersed only occasionally by beautiful vistas and thrilling bursts of speed. The trick is to thank the Lord for letting you have the ride.”

I guess there's enough logic in that.

Sometimes, the journey even feels like this.

Spiritual Entertainment

So this past weekend, I did something I've never done in my entire life: I attended the entirety of stake conference, including the leadership session.

Biggest take-home: "Spiritual entertainment without transformative action."

I think it was Elder Rollins who said this. Or maybe it was one of the other guys. My notes are kinda sketchy.

But this is what stuck with me: Am I merely being spiritually entertained, say, by watching videos like the one posted above?

Or am I acting on what's being said to me?

Some days, it's hard to tell.

Lots of stress lately. Full-time job, part-time job. No time to work on the book I started five years ago. Well, there's time. And then there isn't, because of reasons. It's hard.

I'm being pulled in a taffy-puller, and I'm one of the people cranking it to ludicrous speed. So I've got some stuff to sort out. Thinking out loud sometimes helps.

Our Savior's Love

Had something happen today that first sent me down one path of thought, but quickly brought me to this one:

We have to remember when we go after the one sheep who has strayed, they may come back to the fold with traumas from their time away, or even their previous time with the flock, that will manifest in ways that will startle and frighten the flock that did not stray. This is when the flock needs to show the increased love the Savior speaks of.

Conversely, for some, showing that love can be as hard as surviving the aforementioned trauma. The flock in general is not used to shocks or forgets them easily, and will occasionally react to trauma revisited inside the flock in ways that will seem panicky or cruel. This is when those who stray need to deepen their well of forgiveness.

The flock needs greater practice in showing love. Those who stray need to forgive the occasional panics and realize they do not mean the flock does not want them there.

I don't know about the veracity of this path. But it seems more compassionate than where I started out.

Spirit's Work Ethic

Oh, Spirit. You've gone where I'd like to go. Although I've got to confess it looks lonely there.

So, what do you do all day, now that you're stuck in that sand? Do you analyze the rocks and such near you? Stare up at the sky and track dim Phobos and Demois? Or try to pick out that blue speck that is your home planet?

Maybe you're lucky you're on Mars. I'm sure you'll be eroded over time, but in that dry, oxygen-poor atmosphere, you won't corrode as quickly as you would on Earth.

So what would a probe meant to explore Earth have to look like? Much more rugged wheels or spidery legs, especially if you were in the forest or jungle. Not near as compact. Not near as able tor esist the elements or even falling over. You're perfect for your environment, Spirit.

Maybe someday, my grandsons or his grandsons will come to Mars and pay you a visit. I'll insist in my will that they take a picture of me with them, so I can say I, in a way, went along.

And to have your work ethic. Always doing that work, ever-faithful, not complaining that you missed your weekend, even when you realize that weekend is never, ever coming.

You did a good job, Spirit. From a schlub in Idaho who watched your career with great interest: Thanks a lot. I wish I could come bring you home.

Thanks, XKCD.