Choices & Consequences

A thought from President Hinckley's Stand a Little Taller (May 20th)

I read this on Monday or Tuesday after dad and mom left for Japan. It reads:

"Choose ye this day, to serve the Lord God who made you." Moses 6:33

Pres. Hinckley then adds: "Have you ever looked at a great farm gate that opens and closes? If you look at the hinge, it moves ever so little. Just a little movement of that hinge creates tremendous consequences out on the perimeter. That is the way it is with our lives. It is the little decisions that make the great differences in our lives."

As I read this, I felt that this was a tender mercy of the Lord to me. I had felt impressed to share at home evening on Sunday before you left, Alma 37:6-7 about how the Lord accomplishes great things through small and simple means. This was a confirmation to me of that prompting and the importance of our everyday decisions and choices (usually the small and simple ones like a prompting to share a testimony or go visit someone or to smile at someone and speak in broken Japanese :) or to speak kindly to your spouse when you are frustrated or tired).

Mom & Dad, as a family, we are so proud of your willingness to choose to serve the Lord this day and every day for the next 18 months. When times are difficult, think of the farm gate swinging on the far end; it may seem like you are not moving much, but the gate at the other end is moving a lot. We are praying for your success and know the Lord will bless you as He knows what is expedient for you.

Love,

Eric