Highlights for Ether 6-11
The ‘Come Follow Me’ study this week didn’t have as many ah-hah moments for me so this post is short. However (and it’s a big however), I love the mindset Jared and his people had after they made that hard, long journey across the ocean – only to start over once they got to the promised land. The attitude they display in these verses made me want them for neighbors.
12 And they did land upon the shore of the promised land. And when they had set their feet upon the shores of the promised land they bowed themselves down upon the face of the land, and did humble themselves before the Lord, and did shed tears of joy before the Lord, because of the multitude of his tender mercies over them.
13 And it came to pass that they went forth upon the face of the land, and began to till the earth. (Ether 6:12-13)
They didn’t complain about their reduced circumstances or what they left behind. Instead they found gratitude, counted blessings and just got right to work. Where can we find more people like this? There is something exalted in losing everything and starting over (with grace and grit) or intentionally leaving it behind when called upon.
Somehow such an event pushes a reset button and cleanses the soul?
Jared and his people tamed a wilderness and built civilization from very little. In doing so, they became bigger, better versions of themselves. I respect anyone who endures a like experience, faces forward, and “begins to till the earth.”
Takeaway
Perhaps poor luck and unexpected loss can seem like a sign of heavenly disfavor – but between the brother of Jared, Nephi, Joseph Smith and even Christ, the nomad life and the repeated circumstance of starting from scratch helped make their characters monumental.