At General Women’s Conference,
President Uchtdorf shared a sweet story, reminding us that the Savior
taught in parables and that President Monson rarely tells a story
that isn’t also a parable. Parables have a straight forward
message that is plain to see. However, they also have a deeper
meaning, sometimes more than one, that need to be searched out,
pondered and prayed about to understand completely. He invites us
thus: “I invite you to listen with the Spirit. The Holy Ghost will
help you to find the message for you in this parable.”
As we have pondered and discussed this
with others, we have come to the conclusion that this parable has
many last-days implications. (I’ve tried to consolidate 11 pages
of notes & comments for this newsletter, but it just isn’t
going to happen.) As you read or re-read this parable on the Church
website, consider what message it may bear if we are indeed
approaching the days of tribulation that prophets have foretold for
thousands of years. Who are represented by little 11-year old Eva,
her Great-Aunt Rose, her father & mother, and the creepy cat?
Why did Eva have to leave her comfortable home while her mother has
much needed surgery? Were there not closer relatives? What is
represented by Aunt Rose’s old home, the plastic bins of beads, bows
& buttons, or the fact that Aunt Rose had difficulty doing simple
things, even getting around? Why did Eva resent and dislike
everything about her great-aunt’s home that was so remote? What is
significant about Eva’s age? Is it that she is about to transition
from Primary into being a Young Woman, leaving childish wants behind
and maturing to face more difficult challenges? Does the Hebrew
meaning of the number 11 as a representation of chaos mean anything?
I am certain that while we can accept
that we can all learn to make the best of a difficult situation and
love others that we barely even know; learn to appreciate things that
we previously detested; and develop deeper faith, hope & charity
that will light a light of kindness & happiness that will be seen
by all who know us, I am sure there is a deeper meaning in this
parable that bears considering. Can you see any similarities to
Lehi, Nephi, Limhi, Alma, the Brother of Jared, Lot, and the early
Mormon Pioneers? What is the significance of the scriptures Pres.
Uchtdorf chose to quote? Does any of this have any implications on
your family’s emergency preparedness efforts? What about your
spiritual preparedness? Review Pres. Monson’s Ensign
message from last September entitled “Are We Prepared” and see if
there is any correlation with this parable.
With all our preparations for
unexpected events in our lives, remember this advice from the
parable: “With such a glorious future, why get swallowed up in past
or present things that don’t go quite the way we planned?” … “I
know a poem that says, ‘Forever—is composed of Nows.’ I didn’t
want my forever to be composed of dark and fearful ‘Nows.’ And I
didn’t want to live in the gloom of a bunker, gritting my teeth,
closing my eyes, and resentfully enduring to the bitter end. Faith
gave me the hope I needed to live joyfully now!”
Even in the parable, Eva eventually
grew up, married, raised children, and lived a long and wonderful
life.
Let us know your thoughts &
insights on this parable. Perhaps we'll post more about it later.
Grant & Delia Madsen
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