We were driving home after visiting the Mount Timpanogos Temple and Brad had fallen asleep. I was driving on the freeway when I noticed a sign that said "Going to Zion?" I prayed to my Heavenly Father asking "Am I? Am I intentionally heading towards Zion?" I got distracted with cars cutting me off, trying to be aware of other cars around me. I started thinking how driving on the freeway was like life. You're headed for Zion (in this case, the mountains) and you have all these ad signs, people, distractions, on and off ramps to different places. The ads say "Come here and I'll give you this," "Spend your money on me, and you won't regret it," trying to tempt you off the freeway. There are people who come into your life who try to stop your progress by cutting you off, getting you to hit the brakes so you slow down on your path. So much goes on around you and you have to be aware of it to avoid it, move into another lane that's safer, or ignore it because it isn't your priority like getting to Zion or the Celestial Kingdom is. Satan uses so many tools to tempt us in this world from desires to "road rage." Sometimes it can feel so overwhelming and noisy and it's okay to pull over and have a quiet time with the Lord. I get times where my world feels so loud I have to stop and refocus with Him. As you drive, praying to Him is how you know which way to go, and He helps you see people coming who aren't paying attention and can get close to you or cut you off, and He said to brake or back away from them, or even helping you avoid the philosophies of men posing as Gospel truths. I had that happen recently. I came across a news article that had me so confused because it didn't feel right. I had to stop and catch my breath to think clearly, and the Lord confirmed to me is wasn't based on truth. Brad later told me the author was a "member" but she taught stuff that didn't line up with the Lord's teachings, so I got back "on the road" again.
We are all different kinds of cars with different backgrounds, but we're all cars (humans) who can help each other along the path home to the Celestial Kingdom (mountains) instead of fighting to be number 1 or the winner. We're all winners as we help and serve those along the path and those who aren't. Jesus said "when he do it unto one of the least of these my brethren, he have done it unto me."
"Going to Zion?" To that I can say "Yes! Are you coming with me?" Along with that sign I'd like to say "Is there someone I can help along that path, and if so, how can I do it?" The Lord needs to be your priority because without Him, we cannot make it home. He is there, waiting for you to let Him in. We all could use more kindness in this fallen world. Be that kindness, every day.
I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
~Jessi
