Understanding

Dear Family,

Apparently there has been mix up on my most current address. Sorry about that! My mailing address is 12 North Country Club Rd, Santa Teresa, NM 88008. Now before ya'll get gun happy and send a bunch of things, We have transfers on May 2 so I may or may not be moving again. We'll find out as that day approaches, but I don't fully anticipate leaving. This makes a perfect prelude to my topic of insight today, that is understanding.

Matt. 13:19, 23 talks expressly about the parable of the sower of seeds. It talks about how understanding is an essential element of progression, just a place of dirt is an essential part of a plant's initial start in development. We spoke to a lady this week who was a very devout baptist, and had great faith in Jesus Christ. We commended her for that and proceeded to ask how that faith has blessed her life. When the moment presented itself, we asked her if she had heard of the Book of Mormon, to which she replied yes. We didn't get anywhere after that as she seemed to shut out anything we said. Had she listened and even gave a moment of opportunity to think about the words that we said, she would have at least been given the privilege to ponder the reality of Christ's divine Atonement and Resurrection and a biblically prophesied second witness of that Eternally life altering event. Since the seed had already been considered and cast out as a thing of no worth, when it was brought into view it was quickly ignored and again rejected. This is the sad reality of how many people view such a simple truth, thanks to the misinformation, confusion, greed, pride and any number of other characteristics and devices that the devil uses to blind the eyes and harden the hearts of people today.

How can anyone overcome such a nemesis that has so deeply rooted and so thoroughly intertwined itself with nearly all that is good and true in this world? By simple and pure knowledge of God's eternal laws, of the divinity of life and our potential as literal sons and daughters of the most High God. But just telling someone that will not drown out the voices and continuous and monotonous drone of the meaningless comparisons and advertisements of our world. This is something that must be shown to someone in a personal way, and in a setting where they may feel comfortable and open to learn what it means to be a son or daughter of God. Where they can practice without fear of ridicule, or despair because they feel like they are the only one even trying. Is not this why we have been commanded to reach out in love to all those around us? We may not change the world by making friends with the neighbor down the street who lost a loved one recently. Nor will we be given any pay raise for seeking to lighten the load of a coworker who is struggling to make ends meet. But it will make an everlasting impact on that one person. Which is more than anyone can say about winning an Olympic Gold Medal, or even the Nobel Prize. Not to discount these prestigious achievements nor anyone who has reached a level of acclamation, but these things are merely remembered for long. So my question to pose would be, are we happily allowing the knowledge we have to waste away in self gratifying procedures of "holiness" or are we doing something about becoming some small measure closer to the example of Christ in selfless service and devoted care to all who are in his path. This is what I would want someone to ask me as I tend to count my blessings and smugly express gratitude for them in the quite solitude of the lovely home I live in. To understand the Gospel of Jesus Christ is an eternally significant blessing, what are we doing to help those around us see this? It takes more than giving a Book of Mormon, It takes more than inviting them to Church. It is not very hard either! It takes a true friend. Someone that cares, that gives, that shares, and then encourages to do the same. The Gospel will roll forth with power as we allow it to in our own lives and the lives of those directly around us in whatever place we may be. If we all truly understood this, then it would be glorious day. That is my hope and prayer.

I send my love and my thanks to each of you. You are all such fantastic people and great examples! Let's keep getting better each and every day, but let's not forget the race is not to get there the fastest, it is to get there with those we love, and he who loves much will receive the same in turn.

Have a great week!!!

Elder McGarry