Let the Lower Lights Be Burning

Recently we had a Ward Conference. It was difficult, as it always is, to get a lot out of the meetings... thanks to our wonderful yet extremely active children. There were two things that were mentioned, though, that caught my attention. I'd like to mention one of them now.

On my mission I fell in love with the Hymn, Brightly Beams Our Father's Mercy. (Hymns 335) It's a men's choir song and I loved singing it in parts with some of the other Elders. I remember singing it with three other Elders (Hansen, Shiffler, Reneer) at a zone conference once and I was deeply touched by the spirit. Besides loving the tune and feeling the Spirit on that particular occasion, I can't say my connection with the song had anything to do with the words. I honestly didn't understand their full significance or meaning. Admittedly, they almost seemed a little silly. Nevertheless, I continued to love the song. In fact, years after my mission, I remember singing it with my good friend for his scouts at a camp out devotional.

At this ward conference a member of our Stake Presidency went over the words with us. Here they are:

Brightly beams our Father's mercy from his lighthouse evermore, but to us he gives the keeping of the lights along the shore. Let the lower lights be burning; send a gleam across the wave. Some poor fainting, struggling seaman you may rescue, you may save.

Dark the night of sin has settled; loud the angry billows roar. Eager eyes are watching, longing, for the lights along the shore. Let the lower lights be burning; send a gleam across the wave. Some poor fainting, struggling seaman you may rescue, you may save.

Trim your feeble lamp, my brother; some poor sailor, tempest tossed, trying now to make the harbor, in the darkness may be lost. Let the lower lights be burning; send a gleam across the wave. Some poor fainting, struggling seaman you may rescue, you may save.

We talked about God the Father and Jesus Christ as the great lighthouse. President Monson has said this:

"Look for the lighthouse of the Lord. There is no fog so dense, no night so dark, no gale so strong, no mariner so lost but what its beacon light can rescue. It beckons through the storms of life. It calls: This way to safety. This way to home. The lighthouse of the Lord sends forth signals readily recognized and never failing."

Though our Father and Eldest Brother's light and mercy brightly beam from their lighthouse for all to see, it is to us they give the keeping, or responsibility, of the lower lights along the shore. It is these lower lights that can guide some poor fainting, struggling seaman safely to shore.

I looked up the origin of this song. Here's what I found:

This song was written by Philip Bliss. He was a well known Christian songwriter in the 1860's and 70's. He wrote this song as he was traveling with Pastor Dwight L. Moody. Pastor Moody preached a sermon one day and told a story about Cleveland harbor. (I personally didn't realize Cleveland sat on the shore of Lake Erie until I started researching this story.) A portion of Pastor Moody's sermon goes as follows:

"On a dark, stormy night, when the waves rolled like the mountains and not a star was to be seen, a boat was rocking and plunging near the Cleveland harbor. The harbor pilot came aboard the ship to guide it into port." (Just an aside: a harbor pilot is a local, experienced mariner who boards ships to guide them safely through dangerous or congested waters.)

"'Are you sure this is Cleveland?' asked the captain, seeing only one light from the lighthouse.

'Quite sure, sir,' replied the pilot.

'Where are the lower lights?'

'They've gone out, sir.'

'Can you make the harbor?'

'We must, or we will perish, sir.'

"And with a strong hand and a brave heart, the old pilot took control of the wheel of the ship. But alas, in the darkness he missed the channel and, with a crash upon the rocks, the boat was shivered and many a life lost in a watery grave."

Pastor Moody then said: "Brethren, the Master will take care of the great lighthouse. Let us keep the lower lights burning."

That evening, Philip bliss wrote the words to the song he entitled, "Let the Lower Lights Be Burning."

For me, this story illustrated a beautiful and significant meaning to the words of this song. It makes me think of those who have been 'lower lights' in my life; those who have guided me safely to shore. I can think of a handful right now. Then I can't help but wonder if I too am being a wise steward over the responsibility given me to 'send a gleam across the wave?' Doctrine and Covenants 103:9-10 comes to mind where it says: "They were set to be a light unto the world, and to be the saviors of men; And inasmuch as they are not the saviors of men, they are as salt that has lost its savor, and is thenceforth good for nothing but to be cast out and trodden under foot of men;" (italics added) and also these words: "No man, when he hath lighted a candle, putteth it in a secret place, neither under a bushel, but on a candlestick, that they which come in may see the light." (Luke 11:33 See also Matt. 5:15, Mark 4:21, and 3 Ne. 12:15)

This tells me that not only do I need to be a better example to my children, family, friends, etc... but I need to be a better missionary by living and sharing the gospel, and also by serving in the temple; performing, vicariously, for others the saving ordinances which they cannot perform for themselves.

I hope this song forever reminds you, as it does me, we truly can become saviors of men or as Obadiah put it, saviors on Mount Zion. (See Obad. 1:21; see also D&C 103:9-10)

Promptings

It has been so long since my last post. I feel so busy and over-occupied most days that I don't make time to write. It's vitally important for me to keep track of my learning experiences and I need to make it a priority. When I record my thoughts and insights consistently, the spirit whispers to me more often. When I slack off, I often fail to notice some of the most beautiful, yet simple, blessings of all. It's amazing what writing a few thoughts down will do!

So a few weeks ago I was leaving work late. It was a Friday and I was really excited to get home and hang out with my family. I love Fridays! As I was walking out the door, one of my co-workers asked me which way I was headed. I immediately knew what he was really asking. He wanted a ride home but didn't want to come out and say it. (Please note: this individual is a very nice guy. He and I get along just fine. I would simply say we just don't know each other well enough to be super close or connected.) Anyway, I told him which way I was going and he said "Ok. Nevermind." After further inquiry it turned out that he indeed did need a ride home. I wish I could say that I readily and willingly offered to take him home, but instead I told him that I lived in the opposite direction and wished him luck!

I walked out the door and almost immediately got a pit in my stomach! 

"What's this? All I want to do is get home to my family. What's more important anyway? Why am I being nudged? After all, if I took him home I would be losing important family time!" 

These thoughts kept me walking towards my truck feeling very justified and confident in my choice to move on. Then came another pit, an additional nudge! I was determined to get home and tried, in vain, to ignore the second prompting. 

As I approached my truck, the nudges had done their damage. Now all I had were racing thoughts about talks I'd heard and read about ignoring the promptings of the Spirit. So, in one last desperate attempt to push the promptings aside, I decided I would call Anna to get the official stamp of approval... hoping there was some kind of emergency that only I could remedy with my prompt and safe arrival home. As I spoke to Anna and explained the situation honestly, we both felt the spirit very strongly and I knew I needed to give him a ride home.

Well, the rest is history. I went back in, told him to grab his jacket and off we went. Unfortunately for the reader, this story probably seems all too ordinary and uninspiring. But the lesson I learned that day didn't come during the mostly quiet car ride with my co-worker, nor did it come while feeling the spirit on the phone with Anna. The real lesson came right after I dropped this man off. Tears came to my eyes as the spirit testified to me, right there in my truck, that I would be trusted to receive more promptings because I had listened, (eventually), to this seemingly unremarkable one. 

Friends

Today, I'm feeling especially grateful for friends. They come in so many forms: Spouses, children, moms, siblings, in-laws, mission comps, etc... I'm am so blessed to have so much support around me.

My wife is an amazing example to me. She teaches our children, fulfills her callings, supports my ambitions, finds time for dinners and lunches, and about two million other things. On top of that, she makes me laugh and will even indulge me by actually laughing at me once in awhile.

I have the greatest kids in the world. Lincoln has become my greatest little friend. What would I do without his smile and antics? He reminds me that life is simpler and happier than I make it out to be. He appreciates the kid in me and loves me unconditionally.

Shiloh can melt my heart faster than anyone I know. Although she constantly requires attention, it makes it all worth it when she smiles or giggles at me. I'm telling you, when she gives me one of those huge, chubby grins, I'm done!!! Her personality is so cute.

I could mention my brothers and sister, my mom, my in-laws, old friends, new friends, etc... Each one plays an important role in my life and some add a depth and richness that without them would otherwise feel void and empty.

Thanks to all of you who invest so much time and love and add so much richness to our lives. I know the relationships we form in the 'here and now' last so much longer and reach so much farther beyond the margins and time contraints of this life. I am truly grateful for that knowledge.

Better Man

I love General Conference. It always seems to come just when I need it. I admit, it can be hard to do 10 hours of church meetings in a matter of two days, but it's some of the best time I ever spend. 

I've been thinking a lot about some of the things that were said. I already have a few favorite talks, but there is one thing that has kept coming back to my mind more than anything else. It was a simple but genuine prayer given at the opening of the General Priesthood session. The man offering the invocation, with all the tenderness and sincerity of his heart prayed, "Father, we want to be better men," he continued, "Help us to help the women in our lives feel a greater sense of self-worth..."

Those deep yet unembellished words caused me to engage in some serious self-reflection. Am I really trying to be a better man? Do I live as a Priesthood holder should? Do I cultivate an environment of self-worth for those around me, especially for my wife, daughter, and the other special women in my life?

I am grateful for inspired words and the influence of the spirit of truth which is the spirit of change.

3 Simple Steps

We had stake Temple night this last week. I love to attend the chapel meetings at the temple. There is just an extra special spirit there.

One of the counselors in the Temple presidency spoke. He expounded on a scripture and related it to our temple worship and our own personal revelation. The Lord gives us these simple steps to follow: 

"Therefore, go ye unto your homes, and ponder upon the things which I have said, and ask of the Father, in my name, that ye may understand, and prepare your minds for the morrow, and I come unto you again." (3 Ne. 17:3)

This scripture means so much more to me now. The Lord is telling us that we must:

1) Ponder upon his words. His words are found in the scriptures, in the Ensign, in the temple, through the whisperings of the spirit, and other forms of personal revelation.

2) Pray that you might more fully understand His words. How many times do I settle for simply feeling the spirit, or merely reading the scriptures?  Do I take the time and effort to prayfully ask for more enlightenment and understanding? Why did the spirit touch me at that time? What would the Lord have me know? What is it I need to do to improve?

3) Prepare your mind for MORE. We must be prepared and excited for more gospel light and truth. We cannot settle for what limited understanding we now have.

The last words in this passage are encouraging and reassuring when the Lord says, "and I come unto you again." The Lord promises He will not stop there but continue to give us more light as we Ponder, Pray, and Prepare. 

PS - Thanks to you who have commented. It's means the world to me to know that you are enjoying this blog. I will try and be more consistent in my updates.

Triumphant

Last night Anna and I were getting to bed kind of late. We were both lying down nearly asleep when we realized we still needed to read and pray. Anna said, "Tell me or read me a good scripture". (No pressure!) :-) So I opened to Moroni 10, (one of my favorite chapters). I was looking for a specific scripture, but I couldn't find what I was looking for... (I only had my Romanian scriptures handy, which aren't as well marked). So while I was quickly skimming for this scripture, and not finding it, I eventually came to the very last verse. Here's what Moroni said:

"And now I bid unto all, farewell. I soon go to rest in the paradise of God, until my spirit and body shall again reunite, and I am brought forth triumphant through the air, to meet you before the pleasing bar of the great Jehovah, the eternal judge of both quick and dead. Amen." (Moroni 10:34)

The word "triumphant" stuck out to me. I have been pondering a lot about some of the trials each of us are divinely allotted. There are times when I want things to be different than they are. There are certain trials and stumbling blocks I would rather not face. More than anything I would like to say with faith and conviction, as Moroni did, that I will "rest in the paradise of God" and that I will be "brought forth triumphant". It then hit me more than ever before that I cannot be truly "triumphant" if I don't have anything to triumph over! If I attempt to pray away my troubles, I would be, in a very real sense, denying myself the high privilege of conquering this estate. Moroni was not "brought forth triumphant" by having an easy lot. Christ did not "overcome the world" by facing little tribulation. (John 16:33; see also D&C 50:41; D&C 76:107)

Christ even told us, "In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." (John 16:33) I hope to "be of good cheer" so I too, in a small measure, can be like my Savior and overcome the sacred trials and "thorn[s] in the flesh" the Lord has in store for me. (2 Cor. 12:7)

Personal Inventory

I often take inventory of my own life. Where am I at? What am I doing to progress and grow? In what ways am I doing better now compared to just a few months ago? What can I do and should I do tomorrow to improve upon today? Unfortunately, I don't always love the honest answers to these soul-searching questions.

I came across this passage the other day and it gave me reason to reflect upon my own discipleship:

"And when [Jesus] was gone forth into the way, there came one running, and kneeled to him, and asked him, Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?
"And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God.
"Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Defraud not, Honour thy father and mother.
"And he answered and said unto him, Master, all these have I observed from my youth.
"Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me.
"And he was sad at that saying, and went away grieved: for he had great possessions." (Mark 10:17-22)

I wonder if I would react as this man did or would I be truly dedicated enough to Christ and His gospel to do the thing I felt least able to do? This man had observed all the commandments from his youth and perhaps was quite pleased with himself, thinking he was ready for the next step. Do we think, as this man apparently did, true discipleship is to simply not kill, steal, commit adultery, etc...? I hope not. I think once we master the "thou shalt not" commandments, (and desire further discipleship), we will be given the "thou shalt" commandments which most likely will be those things we feel least able to perform.

I often think of Nephi's bold statement and covenant with the Lord concerning obedience: "I will go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded" (1 Ne. 3:7) A promise, so simply stated, yet so valiantly kept! Nephi, too, was asked to do something he thought he would never have to do when he happened upon an intoxicated Laban. (1 Ne. 4:7-18) We know that Nephi "shrank" but nevertheless he "did obey the voice of the Spirit." (1 Ne. 4:10,18) What a contrast!

Now here's the inventory part: Can I follow the various commands and counsels of the Lord no matter how difficult or will I "[go] away grieved" when the counsel is much harder than previously anticipated?