Mountains to Climb

This week was a great learning experience. I pulled the muscle in my right hand that extends from my pinky to my elbow playing volleyball. One of my French Tutors split his pants during class. We gained another member to our room. Elder Ripley and Bingham have added a member to their companionship. Elder Parada. He's a trilingual kid from Toronto Canada, fluent in English Spanish and French. He's super funny and a great addition to les garçons de 217.

I thought a lot about climbing and hiking this week. I've really missed those activities (along with the obligatory "I miss in-n-out" reference: like if anyone knows a general authority that can just roll up or something. hook an elder up) but in all seriousness it reminded me of one of the times we climbed Angel's landing in Zion National Park with Dad and Alex. The one with a 4 ft wide walkway with sheer cliffs lining the walk way. For the safety of the guests of the Park. The National Park Service installed metal chains and posts into the redish sandstone. Along with the chains they put signs up warning all those that they must hold to the chains. 

As a child I never wanted to hold onto the chains because

1. I had always been one of the best rock climbers for my age 

2. I was confident that I wouldn't slip.

One time as we were making the trek to the top of this beautiful overlook of the Zion canyon. We were right at the intersection of the west rim trail and the trail out to the Angel's landing overlook. As we were filling up our water bottles in this area with sand and greenery. The toddler of a negligent parent tossed a butt ton of sand and debris into the air and into my eyes. I was absolutely infuriated. I had to continue climbing not being able to see the path because I couldn't get the sand out of my eyes. I quickly realised the importance of listening to my Father and brother as they guided me along the chains on top of this mountain to the scenic overlook. I remember the feeling of being vulnerable and not liking being blinded and not being able to see for myself as I tried to traverse this amazing work of the lord. 

I want to stress the importance of how I was able to accomplish this hike.

I can not imagine what could've changed if I had not held tight to the Chains that guide you to the top of the mountain. 

I would like to compare the commandments to those chains. A lot of the world views the commandments and the rules as a fence that limits what you are able to accomplish. If I were to have viewed these chains as a limitation to me. I would've bumped into the chains and decided to turn away and towards the edge. However because I know that those chains are a guideline to protect me as I held tight to them. God gives us commandments for the same reason that the National Park service gave us the chains. To help guide and protect us as we try to reach the ultimate goal of trying to reach the top. If you will hold tight and you will be successful. I know that.

The mtc is way boring but I appreciate my wonderful teachers and leaders and the example they are to me. I know that the lord places no mountain in my path that he knows I couldn't conquer, with his help. I love being a missionary and can't wait to show the people of France my love for them and the love of their Heavenly Father.

I've got some mountains to climb, I'll catch ya on the other side

ab