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Death
You need to die
In Alma 22, we read of the powerful conversion of King Lamoni's father. I noticed something strange in the account following the king's lesson on the plan of salvation. The Book of Mormon is clear that the Nephites understood that both the wicked and the righteous would be resurrected. Yet, in response to learning about this universal resurrection, the king prays to God, asking "that [he] may be raised from the dead." Stranger still, in answer to this prayer, the king is immediately "struck as if he were dead." What is going on here? I have some thoughts.
What if I don't want to be resurrected?
I've recently been impressed to study the teachings and biographies of the First Presidency. My respect, love, and admiration for these men grow deeper with every chapter. It has been a powerful, revelatory experience, and I've also learned more about doctrine and Church history. For example, President Nelson's biography relates how his grandfather received a visitation from his late father from beyond the veil and recorded the interview.
Heaven and Hevel
My first son was born during a very busy time in our lives. I was working full-time, attending college full-time, and serving as a counselor in a branch presidency. It was a rough period of early mornings and late nights. Sometimes, I didn't see my baby boy awake for several days at a time. For his first birthday, my wife created a video of the moments she had captured and set it to music. Let me say upfront, I am not a crier; it drives my wife nuts. But I cried when I watched that video. So many firsts. So many moments when heaven touched earth. And I wasn't there for much of it. Those moments would never come again—not in that way, not with that child, not at that time. They were gone forever.
Until the day I die
I loved the second area of my mission. The Bishop was engaged in missionary work, the ward mission leader was a rock star, and the members were warm and accepting. It was really awesome-- definitely one of the highlights of my whole mission. I was there quite a while; I spent 6 months (and 5 companions) in that ward. But no matter how awesome an area is, you can still burn out.
The last calling we receive
Three weeks ago, my wife and I received a phone call. Hope, my 57-year-old mother-in-law, had run out of chemotherapy options and was starting in-home hospice. Doctors estimated she had only a few weeks left. Hope wanted to hug her grandchildren again while she could, so we loaded the kids in the car and began the eight-hour journey to North Carolina. Two hours away from my in-laws' house, we received another call. Hope's condition had deteriorated rapidly. She was unconscious and gasping for breath. My wife joined a video call and pleaded with her mother to hold on just a few more hours so she could give her one last hug. But Hope couldn't hold on any longer.
I could really use a sign right about now
There's a gloom in my house right now. A family friend in our ward passed away this past week after a short but vigorous battle with cancer. He leaves behind an amazing family with kids ranging from Primary age through missionary age. Our hearts break for his wonderful family and we will miss the cheery smile and spirit he always brought into the room. He was the kind of guy that always made you feel like you were important when you talked to him. As another ward member said when they heard of his death, "Heaven just leveled up."