Last week we rafted down the Gallatin River in Montana with our daughter, her husband, and their six sons. I have never done any river rafting of this caliber before so I was a little nervous about it. Okay, let me be perfectly honest, I was downright scared. What if one of the kids fell out of the raft? What if someone drowned? What if someone got lost in the river? I mean, what if we “got in the boat and the boat tipped over”?
Nevertheless, we geared up with wet suits, helmets, and life jackets. We were quite unrecognizable– literally dressed from head to toe in protective gear. Even so, I threw on a jacket, just in case all of that wasn’t enough.
With bravery and an air of complete nonchalance (that’s a complete misrepresentation), I jumped in the raft. Okay, someone took my shaking hand and helped me in. No turning back now!
It didn’t take long for me to be put at ease by the caring and experienced guide, and before long I was even enjoying the experience! Fear left me as I rowed when he said, “Row!” and looked at all of the beautiful sights he pointed out to us. He had a love for the river and knew by heart every bend, seemingly every rock and shoal. He knew every possible hazard we might encounter and steered expertly away from it. Though focused on our current (no pun intended!) location, he could look ahead and know what was coming long before our raft arrived there.
I found myself in awe of the river, respectful of the guide, and grateful for the precious family we had gone with whose motto for the trip was, “All things denote there is a God” (Alma 30:44). By the time we reached the part of the river where we were to disembark, we all reluctantly climbed out, not wanting it to be over.
In essence, we have all suddenly found ourselves in a world much like the river we crossed that day. We are fearful, anxious, and the unknown looms ahead of us like an ominous cloud. Will our boat tip over? Will we all be okay? What is ahead of us?
Just like my river experience, we need not fear or be overly anxious about what lies ahead! We have a myriad of protective gear: The scriptures, our knowledge and understanding of the Plan of Salvation, prayer (in the mountains, and in the valleys of our lives, and on the river and on the rocky paths), the Holy Ghost, and our reservoir of past experiences with living the gospel of Jesus Christ. We can even throw on an extra layer with family and ward members all around us who love and care about us. The raft we are on is a solid one, built much like the one Nephi and his brothers made–under the tutelage of Jesus Christ. It is safe and secure and even when or if we fall out we can still be saved time and time again.
And then there is our Guide, even Jesus Christ, our Savior and Redeemer, who is continually there, just behind us, always rowing along with us, always supporting, always reminding us to “be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. (John 16:33). And though many throughout the world don’t know it (yet!) , He can even give us plain and clear instructions through living prophets whose voices are the same as if they were His own voice. “Row!” “Look!” “Get ready for the rocks and the bends in the stream!”.
As a ward missionary, I want you to know that I know that we are a part of the true and living Church of Jesus Christ! I know that Heavenly Father lives and is over all. He provides the compass and direction for our lives. We need not fear, but know that we are all prepared for what lies ahead of us! How wonderful that we have the privilege of being here on earth at this perfect time when all the world is in need of the knowledge we have been so graciously given. All are being prepared for the return of the Savior to the world! Let us all hold fast to the raft of the gospel and invite everyone we know to come aboard! As we do so, let us bear witness of the Savior’s love through our actions of kindness and tenderness, understanding, and faithfulness.
“And it came to pass that when they were buried in the deep there was no water that could hurt them, their vessels being tight like unto a dish, and also they were tight like unto the ark of Noah; therefore when they were encompassed about by many waters they did cry unto the Lord, and he did bring them forth again upon the top of the waters.
And it came to pass that the wind did never cease to blow towards the promised land while they were upon the waters; and thus they were driven forth before the wind.
…And no monster of the sea could break them, neither whale that could mar them; and they did have light continually…
And they did land upon the shore…And when they had set their feet upon the shores of the promised land they bowed themselves down upon the face of the land, and did humble themselves before the Lord, and did shed tears of joy before the Lord, because of the multitude of his tender mercies over them.”
Trust in the Lord and share the joy of the journey with all you know!
With so much love for each of you,
Zoe Anne Weston