Weathering the Storms of Life

Thought I'd share today what I learned as I studied my scriptures this morning.

Chapter 18 of The First Book of Nephi in the Book of Mormon relates the story of Lehi’s family taking their voyage to the promised land.

“And it came to pass that the voice of the Lord came unto [Lehi], that [his family] should arise and go down into the ship.”

“And … [they] did put forth into the sea and were driven forth before the wind towards the promised land.”

“And after [they] had been driven forth before the wind for the space of many days, behold, [Laman and Lemuel] and the sons of Ishmael and also their wives began to make themselves merry, insomuch that they began to dance, and to sing, and to speak with much rudeness… And… [Nephi] began to fear exceedingly lest the Lord should be angry with [them]…”

“Wherefore, …[Nephi] began to speak to them with much soberness; but behold they were angry with [him], saying: We will not that our younger brother shall be a ruler over us.”

Then “…Laman and Lemuel did take [Nephi] and bind [him] with cords, and they did treat [him] with much harshness…”

And “…there arose a great storm, yea, a great and terrible tempest, and [they] were driven back upon the waters for the space of three days; and [Laman and Lemuel] began to be frightened exceedingly lest they should be drowned in the sea; nevertheless they did not loose [Nephi].”

After four days, they “…were about to be swallowed up in the depths of the sea…” and Nephi’s “…wrists… had swollen exceedingly; and also [his] ankles were much swollen, and great was the soreness thereof.”

“Nevertheless, [Nephi] did look unto …God, and …did praise him all the day long; and [Nephi] did not murmur against the Lord because of [his] afflictions.”

Finally Laman and Lemuel released Nephi and he “…prayed unto the Lord; and after [he] had prayed the winds did cease, and the storm did cease, and there was a great calm.”

Often in our lives we face adversity. Sometimes we feel that our wrists and ankles are bound by the choices of others or our own choices. Sometimes the pain that comes from wrong choices or sins can be “…exceedingly sore.” The storms of life can be “…great and terrible.” We may feel like we are being “…driven back.” We may be “…frightened exceedingly.” It may even seem that “…we are about to be swallowed up in the depths of the sea.”

At these times we must “…not murmur against the Lord…” but …”praise him all the day long.” We must “…[pray] unto the Lord” for his help. Then, in the Lord’s way and time, “…the winds [will] cease and the storm [will] stop and there [will be] a great calm.”

Starting the day off right

What is the perfect start to your perfect day? I think understanding this goes a long way toward having lots of perfect days. I don't know that I have it completely figured out, but over the last few years I've discovered how I really like to start my day.

• 5:20am - Wake up, look over at my wife and be amazed (yet again) at how beautiful she is when she sleeps. You can see the warmth and the softness in her cheeks.
  
• Head down stairs (take care of nature - it's like clockwork...) brush my teeth, study my scriptures (I love it) and pray (I love it).
  
• 6:00am - Get some exercise (head to the gym and/or go for a run). Put on my headphones and get into the zone - the General Conference Zone.
  
• 7:15am-ish - Hit the shower and throw on my suit.
  
• On Salt Lake days, catch an 8am bus and read the Book of Mormon all the way to work.
  
• On Orem days, go home and putter around the house until the kids get up, say family prayers, make people breakfast and inevitably be late to the office because I can't stand to leave my little ones.

Anyone else have the perfect start to the perfect day figured out?

Oh, and here is my favorite breakfast.