Of great worth. . .

1 Nephi 5
Lehi's sons had been gone quite some time and their mother, and wife of a prophet, started to complain. She was concerned for her sons and wondered if she would see them again. She called her husband a visionary man. (v2) He responded in the affirmative: “I know that I am a visionary man. . .” v4. When her sons returned safely and with the records, then she too knew the Lord was in charge of their experiences. After Lehi read the record they brought back, he testifies of their great worth to their people and that they will preserve their posterity. Their family - and more importantly, Lehi and Sariah rejoice together.

As I pondered this rather short chapter in the Book of Mormon, I tried to think of a similar experience in our lives when I doubted my good husband and was made to know that he was indeed being blessed with the spirit in his calling as patriarch of our family. When we moved to this beautiful home 20 years ago, I was anxious to fill it with furniture that would enhance its beauty. My husband would not spend faster than he earned, and many rooms sat empty for two years. This was an irritant to me, but he held firm in his belief that the Lord did not want us to go into debt. In time, I knew that he was a very wise man. He left his employment in search of a job that would be more in line with his desire to be honest in his dealings with those with whom he worked. He was unemployed for nine months – something that would take most households down. However, we survived this period because of his frugalness, wisdom, and determination to stay out of debt. We were able to pay our mortgage each month and take care of the needs of our family without the assist of outside help. Then I was able to say, as did Sariah, “Now I know of a surety. . .” v8. This experience was a blessing to our family and “of great worth” (v21) as we raised our children. Our children went through it with us and they learned the importance of staying out of debt and surviving the storms of life. More than a few times have I been grateful for this experience as I've watched my children embrace sound fiscal practices as they raise their families.