'Our journey into the wilderness'
E-mail story
It's easy. Send a link to the story you were just reading to a friend. Just fill out the form on this page and we'll send it along.
Your name and e-mail address are transmitted to the recipient. Otherwise, it is considered private information; see Privacy policy.
Drawing from the Book of Mormon and examples from her own life, Susan Sessions Rugh spoke of finding greater meaning in the journeys in life.
"While not all of you will have traveled in an area uninhabited by humans, all of us travel into an unknown future, a figurative wilderness," she said during the weekly devotional held in the Marriott Center at Brigham Young University Oct. 13.
"By considering our journeys into the wilderness — whether literal or figurative — today I will draw upon scripture and my own experiences to discuss how we can prepare now to find our way through the unknown territory through which we will travel in our lives."
Sister Rugh, who is associate dean of Brigham Young University's college of Family, Home and Social Sciences and professor of American history, spoke of three stages of travel.
Preparing for the journey
Referencing the Book of Mormon when the Lord commanded Lehi to take his family and journey into the wilderness, Sister Rugh spoke of the preparations necessary to embark on the path the Lord had commanded. Although the scriptures don't specifically mention all of the steps Lehi took before leaving his home behind, it is implied that he sold his home, land and all "precious things," leaving behind all that was not necessary.
This preparation took time and effort, but was important in his later journey with his family, Sister Rugh said. Just as Lehi did with his family, individuals today need to prepare before the journey into the wilderness.
The journey
Referencing again Lehi's experience, Sister Rugh spoke of the importance of a guide, like the liahona, to give the people direction in what way they should travel. Just like the liahona in ancient times, individuals today have guides given by the Lord, to prevent becoming lost in the wilderness.
"Things will go wrong, but if you pay attention to where you are going, use the compass and stay together, you will complete the journey," she said.
The guides were provided anciently as well as today to give direction from the Lord on how to live.
Making meaning of our journey
"As historians we know that memories are imperfect, and that no two persons remember the same thing the same way," Sister Rugh said. "What we choose to remember can be more interesting than knowing what really happened."
Individuals can take meaning from Lehi's travels today, years after they occurred, Sister Rugh said. Along with learning from the scriptures, reflecting on individuals' own journeys in life brings opportunities to grow and find meaning. These experiences give direction, she said, preventing unplanned and costly detours.
"We can find the Lord's guidance by reading the scriptures, listening to our latter-day prophets and heeding the counsel of our Church leaders and those who love us," she said. "By living worthily and seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we will have a successful journey in the unknown wilderness of our future."
