| Penny is waiting for me as we take a walk through the back woods near our home. The fall color has begun to paint itself upon the landscape. Nov 2013 |
Her presence comforts me. I am aware
of the safety in her friendship and as I watch her warm body rising and falling
to the rhythm of life, I am reminded of her loyal companionship. As long as her
mortal body will allow, she will not leave my side. She will come to me daily
for love and to remind me of my daily need for friendship. Her role
in our family is to offer not only love but also protection.
Now I reach my long fingers behind her ears and scratch them
until her ears flop loosely atop her head. As I read I let my
fingers move in circles on her shoulders. I hear her audible sigh of
contentment. There is a level of
trust and understanding that exists between us. She helps me see how good friendships bring safety, how loyalty is love, and how trust is security.
So I begin to think about the scriptures and what they bring
to me. I begin to think about friendships and how good friendships and family
ties bring me safety and security. I begin to see that each of us wants this
from life, safety in our relationships with one another, the ideal that we can
enjoy peace and loyalty in our friendships.
As I read my scriptures I was reminded about Abraham and how
fearful life was for him. Wanting not only security from the lack of civility
in a lawless and fearsome world, Abraham sought peace through the covenants of
Lord. He sought to have a family that followed the counsel and laws of God. Nephi,
who understood and lived by the covenants of Abraham wanted all of his family
to feel of this safety, but he too had to leave the land of his inheritance to
flee from his brother’ hatred. It seems that security cannot be found in the selfish
ways of the world, but must first come in understanding the laws of God.
It’s time for me to rise and exercise my body. My dog loves
the idea and now sits ready at the door, waiting for me to put my shoes on, to
gather her leash and to fulfill my promise to her.
I realize that family is about promises. Promises we make
with God, who is our measure of integrity and promises we make to one another.
But of what use is the promise to one another if we love not God. If we love
money, or idols or fame or any other fleeting promise what safety is secure?
That is why I walk my dog, because she has trusted me to
love her and her love brings safety and security to my long day ahead. That too
is why I read the words of God’s holy prophets, because they too bring an
eternal perspective to the safety and security of my day. They help me
understand the eternal importance of my family and the security and strength
that their presence brings to my existence
.Mosiah 18: 10 Now I say unto you, if this be the desire of your hearts, what have you against being baptized in the name of the Lord, as a witness before him that ye have entered into a covenant with him, that ye will serve him and keep his commandments, that he may pour out his Spirit more abundantly upon you?
