A story is told of a man who watched a farmer plowing a field in preparation for planting a new crop. Later, the spectator asked the farmer how he managed to plow such straight furrows.

The farmer replied, "I just fix my sight on a certain tree, bush or fence post and then head straight for it."We have come to our own version of a new, unplowed field - the beginning of a decade, which happens to be the last decade of the 20th century. We, in essence, are at the beginning of a new planting season. No one has ventured yet into this new field that stretches before us. It is filled with promise and hope.

However, we might, just as the farmer, be subject to certain elements beyond our control. There may be times, despite our best intentions and efforts, when we will encounter failure and disappointment. We might toil long and hard only to discover that the market does not place much value upon our work. We might face the harsh reality that droughts as well as the rains fall upon the just as well as the unjust. (See Matt. 5:45.)

If we are to succeed, however, we must stand at the edge of this vast field and see the possibilities of the future and not just the failures of the past. As we enter this new decade, we might, as did the Psalmist, ask for direction:

"Shew me thy ways, O Lord; teach me thy paths.

"Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day." (Psalm 25:4-5.)

While we should set our sights on our goals, we do benefit from occasionally looking back. President Ezra Taft Benson has said:

"It is fitting and proper that . . . the beginning of the new year should be a time for us to reexamine our lives and ideals, to humbly confess our shortcomings, and to determine to repent. But true repentance must do more than produce a sense of remorse or heartfelt sorrow - it must bring about a change in our way of thinking and acting. It is not easy. It demands the courage to face facts, admit to the need to do better, and act accordingly. It demands a high resolve to adhere more closely to that course which is pleasing to the God of Heaven and of service to mankind and the cause of freedom." (Teachings of Ezra Taft Benson, pp. 72-73.)

To keep us from becoming mired in those mistakes of which we have repented, we might echo the plea of the Psalmist:

"Remember not the sins of my youth, nor my transgressions: according to thy mercy remember thou me for thy goodness' sake, O Lord." (Psalm 25:7.)

The Lord has promised: "Behold, he who has repented of his sins, the same is forgiven, and I, the Lord, remember them no more." (D&C 58:42.)

As we move into the new year and the new decade, we may expect to witness many marvelous events in a variety of fields - medicine, science, technology, education, to name a few - as well as in our personal lives.

Some of the most exciting events of the '90s will transpire within the Church. On April 6, 1990, 16 decades will have passed since the Church was organized after proper authority had been restored to the earth. Based on the past growth of the Church from its original six members to its current membership of more than 7 million, prospects for continued growth through the remainder of this century are promising indeed.

Few periods in history have been as exciting for missionaries than the one in which we are now living, and anticipation is building as more nations open their doors to the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Temple and family history work, on the rise in past decades, are expected to continue to move forward at even more accelerated paces. The number of temples will increase, with four now in the planning or construction stages.

As individuals and families heed the admonition to "come unto Christ," we will see much improvement in our personal lives.

If we choose the celestial kingdom as our long-term goal and keep our sight fixed upon that goal throughout the coming years, we, as the farmer in the story, should be able to "head straight for it."