Our Guided Journey by Kimberly Herring

    Years ago I was traveling home from Women's Conference in Provo, UT with my sister.  We had an additional traveling companion that year; Jenny Brown had joined our party.  As we started our journey home, my sister and I were full of chatter, sharing experiences we had had over the past few days, laughing and crying so much over one such experience that I was not paying particular attention to where we were going.  About 30 minutes into the drive Jenny hesitantly said, "I think we are going the wrong way".  Now this was before GPS's and Smartphones with Google Maps.  I had a printed sheet from Map-quest to guide us home.  We were indeed on the wrong road and I had no idea how to get us back on the right path.  Jenny suggested she call her dad to ask for directions.  She did so and he confirmed our situation.  He asked which route we had planned to take and suggested we use an alternative route to get us safely home.  Now this alternative route was not one I had ever taken before and it was completely unknown to me.  Knowing Bishop Brown was a man I fully trusted and that he indeed wanted us to return his daughter home safely we embarked on this unknown course.  I admit that during the drive home I questioned the path we were on, especially when we came upon the "Welcome to Colorado" sign.  I just KNEW we were NOT supposed to be in Colorado but, again, knowing that he had experience beyond our own and that he would not lead us astray, we, although unsure, continued on the journey he had suggested for us.  We did made it home safely and I have often reflected on this experience and compared it to the journey of life.

We are all on this journey called life.  We started this journey when we chose to follow the plan of our Savior.  We were excited for this new adventure and I'm sure filled with excited chatter and anticipation.

We knew this journey would not be easy.  We would be "unsure" of our path at times or even get lost once in awhile.  There would be highs and lows, wrong turns, and obstacles along the way.  Each providing a "pause" in our journey.  A time to reflect on where we have come, where we are going and time to prepare to set out again, sometimes down a completely different or unknown road.  Each opportunity to reflect and evaluate the path we are on is vital to our success on this journey.  Will this path I'm on take me to where I want to go?  

Heavenly Father has given us the gift of agency.  It is our decision to choose where we will go.  What we will accomplish.  What we will believe.  What we cannot choose is the consequence of our choice, whether good or bad.  I recently heard a quote, "We must WANT the consequences of WHAT we WANT".  Those consequences, whether good or bad, may not be immediate but they will come.  Are we prepared for what we "want"?  Will we get what we "want" from the daily decisions we are making?  For it truly is those simple, everyday choices that move us along our journey.  What decisions are we making that will prepare us for the next "leg" of our journey?  Have we done all we can to have a successful trip?

Heavenly Father has also provided us with countless maps, tools, experienced travelers, and guides to help us.  Have we taken advantage of these gifts?  We have road maps in the form of scriptures, patriarchal blessings, words from a living prophet and apostles.  We have seasoned travelers in our parents, grandparents, leaders, teachers, neighbors and friends.  We have the gift of the Holy Ghost, Bishops, and Stake Presidents to help guide us along the way.  Most importantly we have a Savior who has marked the path for us to follow and a loving Heavenly Father who wants to see ALL His children safely home.

There are necessary checkpoints and vital rest stops for us along the way.  Steps of baptism, receiving the Holy Ghost, and making temple covenants.  We have the opportunity to "rest" and "refuel" each week as we attend our Sabbath Day Meetings and partake of the sacrament.  We can attend the temple and find peace within its sacred walls.  We have homes where the Spirit of the Lord dwells and we can be protected from worldly influence.  We have every opportunity given us to be successful in our travels.

I have found that one of the greatest gifts comes in the form of earthly angels.  They are all around us.  They offer help, comfort and support during times of trial and rejoice with us during times of great joy!  They may even "question" our path, as Jenny did that day on our journey home, and offer help to start us on a better path.  We are those "earthly Angels".  We are truly "the hands of heaven on earth" and we have been sent to aid and assist those in need.  What a wonderful opportunity!   Helping one another along the path of life is absolutely part of our Father's plan for each of us.  How grateful I am to feel the love of others as they have served me and my family and how honored to be trusted by my Father in Heaven to help care for His children here on earth.

My journey thus far has been full of both joy and sorrow but I have been richly blessed as I strive to follow the path set before me.  When my priorities are in order, when I listen to the promptings of the spirit and act upon such promptings, I am happy and at peace.  I am grateful for the "bumps" in the road that teach me, shape me and strengthen me.  I am thankful for the roads I have traveled and look forward to those yet unknown.  I am grateful for Priesthood leaders who have been ordained of God and are set on my path to help and guide my steps.  I know my Savior lives.  I know He will be there for me through it all.  I know there are both seen and unseen angels working tirelessly to help each of us as we travel through this journey of mortality.  The fullness of the gospel is on the earth today.  We have been given all we need to succeed and how grateful I am for this knowledge.  I know we have living prophets to speak to us, to warn us and to guide us.  The choice is ours to make.  Will we listen?  Will we follow?  Will we return?  Will we help others along the way?  It is my prayer that we will.