Living by the scriptures
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But behold, I, Nephi, will show unto you that the tender mercies of the Lord are over all those whom he hath chosen, because of their faith, to make them mighty even unto the power of deliverance. — 1 Nephi 1:20
Some of life's mostly highly spiritual moments come at the most unexpected times when we may be the least prepared for them. Nevertheless, we warmly welcome them, whenever they come.
On May 22, 2002, I was busy at my piano, setting several key scriptural verses to music for an oratorio, "Visions of Light and Truth," for the BYU-Idaho's Sacred Music Series.
I had just finished writing the underscoring for the texts relating to the first part of the First Vision from Joseph Smith's own account. He had just overcome the powers of darkness that would have thwarted his mission when he saw a brilliant light descending from the heavens as that illuminating vision unfolded before him.
As was my usual custom, I was working from one text to the next in the writing of this oratorio, without looking ahead. So I was taken by surprise at the 1 Nephi "Tender Mercies" text I was about to set to music. There had been absolutely no advance preparation in writing the music for this illuminating scripture whatsoever. I'm sure that I have read this scripture many times, but somehow had overlooked it completely.
Tears immediately flooded my eyes as I realized the meaning of that great promise for the first time. This reaction rarely happens when I write. It took me several moments before my emotions cleared and I was essentially "directed" to get notes on a page to give that remarkable scripture a musical shape. I could see the direct application for this scripture to that of Joseph Smith's experiences with the First Vision. I noted in my journal for that day, "Jamie (my twin brother, who assembled the oratorio texts) chose well on this scripture and it was relatively easy to set, though a highly emotional experience." — A. Laurence Lyon, Salt Lake City, UT
