Saturday, April 16, 2011

Superpowers 101: Driving

Modern media and popular culture bombard us with confusing messages. Experts contradict one another. Celebrities with no more credibility than I do endorse products and fashions and even medications. It seems every person you meet has an opinion and a compulsion to share it. Few want to listen or learn. Those few who are sincerly seeking understanding are hard pressed to find it.

Prophets ancient and modern have warned of these dangers that exist in the Last Days. "Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; believe it not. For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect." Matthew 24:23-24

We live in such a day. The lines between good and evil are blurred. The straight and narrow path is obscurred by complicated interstate exchanges and overpasses. Even if we know we need to get off at a certain exit to reach our destination, we may be trapped by other drivers, racing along in their own little world, unaware of our desires to change lanes and oblivious to our signals. We can easily be hurried along to unfamliar destinations. We can become lost and frustrated as we try to navigate unfamliar roads to turn around or make our way along the side roads. It seems nothing is simple any more.

Except it is. The truth of the gospel has not changed. The difference today if that we must filter through so much to see it clearly. So not only are trying to navigate our way through city interstates during rush hour it is also dark and raining.

We can make it. We have the map (the scriptures) and a GPS (the Spirit) and even someone we can follow who is on a cell phone giving us step by step directions (the prophet). Should be simple, right?

As I think about actully being in this driving scenario I feel stressed. My chest feels tight with anxiety and I can imagine my white-knuckled grip on the steering wheel. Is that how I feel about life too? Sometimes it is. Sometimes I feel like I am going to miss the turn or end up in a wreck. It isn't just my own manuvuering I have to worry about, you know. There are plenty of crazy people out there, talking on the phone or texting while they driving, falling asleep at the wheel, driving while imparred by some  substance, rude, aggressive, or just plain inexperienced. What happens if they impede my journey?

The has clearly advised us to endure to the end no matter what. Eventually we will make it if we just keep trying. We might need to pull over to change a flat or check the directions. We may need to drive slowly or alter our course. Maybe we will need to abandon the car and walk. As long as we keep going, keep following the directions, we will make it.

 "Therefore, continue your journey and let your hearts rejoice; for behold, and lo, I am with you even unto the end." Doctrine & Covenants 100:12

1 comment:

Diann R. said...

Great visual! That describes this life perfectly! Thanks for sharing!