Keep Your Eye On The Tree

As a young 18 year older girl I will be completely honest with you; Nothing is more terrifying than seeing the world the way it is now. Now, I know that not everybody lives the same life style as me. Not everyone believes the same things as I do. And I do not speak for everyone. However, I think we can all agree that the world is not what it once was. The country is divided between political parties very sharply. Poverty seems to be running ramped all over the country. Our country seems to always be dealing with war, rumors of war, and threats of war. And the idea of "family" seems to be something that is not as admired or desired amongst many young adults. The world, from my eyes, seems to be getting more and more wicked each day that passes. What was once deemed unacceptable is now promoted. What once was considered wrong is now considered right. All of this is extremely scary. With all of this fear going on sometimes it is extremely discouraging. This last week as I had been pondering where the world was going I just keep thinking to myself "ok, now what? Where is this world going? And how am I going to survive it?"

Today as I sat in church I was able to hear the testimonies of people in my branch. One sister got up and started talking about the very thing that has been on my mind; the world. She said that lately she has been thinking about Lehi's dream about the tree of life. She said that in the dream the Tree of life represents Christ. The people in the dream were hanging onto the rod of iron and were making their way towards the tree. The thing that I loved the most about this sisters testimony was this: She said that we as people of the world live in a scary and wicked time. However, all we need to do is "keep [our] eye on the tree. Even if we're the last people who like that tree and want [what that tree has to offer] we got to keep looking at the tree and [make our way towards it]" 

Keep our eye on the tree? As i pondered this I thought about the this story of Lehi's dream in the Book of Mormon found in 1 Nephi chapter 8. This tree's purpose was to provide fruit that was "desirable to make one happy" (8:10). And leading to this tree was the strait and narrow path that had the iron rod along it (8:19-20). As the story goes we know that "numberless concourses of people" (8:21) were pressing forward to get to the tree and obtain the fruit that would bring happiness. However, there were some complications. First, there was the mist of darkness that clouded about the people(8: 23). Those who let go of the rod and strayed from the path were lost because of the darkness that confused the people and blocked their view. Another complication was the great and spacious building (8:26). This building was far away from the path and rod but it sure looked desirable. And within this building were people who would mock and taunt those persuing the tree.
As I pondered these complications I thought of the people persuing the tree. There were those who were on the rod that let go because they thought they knew better. Those people probably were lost in the mist of darkness trying to find a "better way" to the tree. There were probably people who let go of the rod to get to the building because it looked exciting and pretty. And there were probably people who hung their head in shame and let go of the rod because people scoffed and scorned them from the building. But what about those that hung on to the rod? How did they feel clinging to that rod? With darkness clouded around them I am curious as to whether or not they were afraid. These people couldn't see their way as well with that darkness surrounding them. Did this bring fear and uncertainty into their hearts?  As mocking jeers floated in from the distance did these good people find themselves wondering "am I really doing what I am supposed to? Or am I wasting my time?"  Regardless of these possible inward fears these people kept their eye on the tree. Those who did this were able to take courage and continue forward till the received the blessings of happiness the tree had to offer. 

With darkness closing in around us as we press forward to obtain the blessings our Heavenly Father has promised I think it is really easy to get caught up in all the trials, sadness, and wickedness of the world. It is easy to get distressed and saddened by the way the world is going. In fact, it is easy to become fearful of the situation of the world. However, what good does this fear do? Our Heavenly Father has promised us that if we keep the commandments, press forward, and endure to the end we will be blessed. And He always keeps His promises. We have a promise from the Lord; that should be comfort enough. Although

darkness seems to be all around us we must not take our eye off the tree; we must never take our eye off of what we are working towards. Even if the world seems against us, even if were are the only ones who like the thought or sight of "the tree" we have to press forward. If we are willing to rely on our Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ and His atonement,  and the gospel we will have all we need in these darkest of times. No matter how thick the darkness seems we will be able to press onward and reach our destination of pure happiness in salvation.