Preface: The Parable of The Wind

There is a trail that ascends a mountain. There is no other way to reach the top of the mountain other than the trail. As you start to hike the trail, you begin to notice the presence of the wind, blowing softly alongside you as you take each step forward. It doesn't really affect you, but you do notice it is there, for a while. As you continue on the trail towards the mountain, there is a point where you can no longer feel the wind; however, you do not notice and simply keep walking along the trail. As the trail takes you around the mountain, suddenly the wind is loud and ferocious and is pressing hard against you as you try to put one foot in front of the other. You think whether or not this can really be the same wind you had felt earlier on the trail. Eventually, the trail leads to a segment when the wind is calm and peaceful again. The trail continues. You continue as well. The wind leaves your mind and you do not notice but the trail has taken you up a sizeable portion of the mountain. Another bend and you feel the wind pushing you along the trail, supporting you and making it easy to climb and climb. Suddenly, it's gone. As you hike higher and higher, you begin to notice the wind, always different yet always the same. Always different, but always the same.

Like most literature, especially figurative literature, this parable can be interpreted in many different ways. I invite you to think about the parable of the wind and how it may apply to your life. What/who is the wind? Where is the trail leading? What is at the top of the mountain? What/who is the mountain? What/who is the trail? Just spend a little time thinking about it. Jesus Christ loved parables and, well, so do I. I know what this parable I wrote means to me, but I invite you to think about what it may mean to you.

These past few days have led me to understand things about my life differently, especially the nature of my relationship with God. I have enjoyed being a part of the Missionary Training experience so far and have seen so much growth as I have strived to do what I can to be what I can be. That is all God asks of us: to be what we can be. In this life, we are to strive to do our best in all we do. Perfection is not attainable through our individual efforts and therefore illogical to require of ourselves. Just do all you can to be what you can be. Learn about who you are. Discover your talents, your strengths, and passions. Continually strive to understand what you have to offer. Recognize and accept your faults, your difficult tendencies, and the aspects of human nature none of us can escape. It is okay. As we work to be what we can be, a loving Heavenly Father will take our efforts and direct them according to his wisdom and plan. He knows each of us. He knows what we can become. Heavenly Father provides. He pushes and pulls us and lets us breathe, all to help us on the path we call life. He helps us see what we cannot. Look to Him. Listen for Him. Learn to love Him better.

"God is mindful of every people, whatsoever land they may be in; yea, he numbereth his people, and his bowels of mercy are over all the earth. For he has all power, all wisdom, and all understanding; he comprehendeth all things, and he is a merciful Being, even unto salvation, to those who will repent and believe on his name."   Alma 26:37,30

I believe in a God who is my Eternal and Heavenly Father. I know He loves me and all of you.

Trust and call upon him.

Life is good. God is wise. Don't give up.

Elder Childers

The night I got set-apart as a missionary

Home MTC desk! Super fun.

Home MTC in-class wall sits...not so fun.

Just making an omelet

Preparation Day Service project: taking down a pergola at Grandma and Grandpa's

My companion cooling off...yeah that's my dad. Best companion ever

Home-grown grapes from Grandma and Grandpa's!