What keeps me awake?

2 Nephi 2

Lehi preaches to his children about the Atonement of Jesus Christ. This is his “parting shot” so to speak. Would it be every righteous parent's parting shot – that their children would accept the spirit of the Holy Ghost to guide them back to eternal life? I would hope so. But as with all things pertaining to righteousness it is easier to write about than to do.

In spite of the seemingly untiring need to follow the evil prompting of the adversary, I am impressed that Laman and Lemuel continue to listen to their father. Could they have been all bad at this point? At least they were being somewhat respectful to listen. Or were they listening? Were they just doing “lip service” so to speak? Do our children do that today? Absolutely! There are times when we start talking about the gospel and I know at least one just tunes out.

But Lehi makes it very clear that the spirit is the same yesterday, today and forever. He will not dwell in unrighteous places. He will protect and guide those who truly love the Lord.

In verse 25 we have a scripture mastery: “Adam fell that men might be; and men are that they might have joy. “ This would seem to be an excellent measuring tool for whether we are on track. Are we finding joy in the things we do in spite of the turmoil that surrounds us? If so, that is a good indicator that we are okay in the Lord's eyes. Or are we miserable in spite of everything we do? Are the moments of joy merely moments of entertainment and worldly influence? When we go to bed at night and we are alone with ourselves and our own thoughts, what keeps us awake? Are they thoughts of the joy we have experienced, the friendship we have deepened, the feelings we had as we served and felt for a moment that we were truly doing the Lord's work – being His hands? Or are the thoughts that trouble us thoughts of guilt? Have our attentions been on ourselves or others? Are we the ones we are trying to serve, or are we serving our fellow man. I think this is a pretty good indicator of where we are in the Lord's plan for us.