Keep on Moving!

1 Nephi 18

I know I've missed a few chapters. I read them, but some days do not lend themselves to much pondering. Today I'll just say that Nephi has been commanded to build a ship, it is finished and they launch for the promised land. I marvel at the faith to follow through. Laman and Lemuel murmur, but I believe that deep down they knew Nephi was being guided. They weren't smart enough to have their own plan so all they did was make trouble for Nephi.

I'm always intrigued when I read about their rudeness in verse 9. I looked the word up in the dictionary. Rudeness is uncouth and vulgar. I know what that looks like. When people who are without moral moorings get together in a close environment for very long, they become vulgar in their speech and actions and things that are private or sacred are joked about freely. No doubt the Lord would be displeased with this behavior and binding Nephi up would certainly be the last straw for the Lord.

It's interesting to note that Nephi doesn't spend any time at all in retaliation or scolding them when they do loose the bands. Instead, he praises the Lord. This is a real example to us as we go through our personal trials. Don't play the blame game, but keep moving forward.

When they reach the promised land, they instantly go to work planting seeds and working the ground. Another great example.

What does it all mean for me? There will be difficulties in life. We signed up for them when we came to earth. This is an imperfect world and we are trying to become perfect in it – not an easy task. Be like Nephi. Give praise to God even in the extremities of life. Don't hold anger and grudges towards those who are making the way difficult. Keep on moving!