I've always gotten pretty close, maybe just a graze of hitting your typical squirrel or mouse. But it was dark, and once I saw that skunk run across the road with no intent of return, all I could say to myself was, "NO, NO, NO!" Then boom. That skunk, Satan's cat, was a goner. I felt the bump of when he (or possibly she) hit my car and I knew right then and there...Felipe (as I decided to call it) was in skunk heaven.
Driving in Darkness.
Driving in the dark is a weird, yet awesome thing. You are in pitch black, but you're guided by a two lights that work on your car to become one and help you see. It's crazy! (I seriously applaud those who are intelligent enough to figure out every little logistic piece and make technology what it is.)
Whenever I read or study the Iron Rod in the scriptures or have a lesson on it, I can't help but think about that dang Mist of Darkness. If that darkness wasn't there, then those on the Iron Rod could clearly see that maybe the Great and Spacious Building isn't what it appears to be. But because of the Mist of Darkness, they can't see entirely what's happening.
I feel like sometimes on my journey of life, (or the Iron Rod) those Mists of Darkness get to me and I can't escape them. I'm holding on tightly with both hands, trying to see that glorious goal, (the Tree) but this fogginess clouds my mind. I still study my scriptures and pray, but my scripture study becomes more just reading, and my prayers seem less sincere and more automatic.
It's hard to see in the dark without some source of light. And I'm positive the adversary knows exactly what he is doing when we go through those cloudy, hard parts of life. He knows that if he can get us just a little bit off the Rod, then he could do it slowly and bit by bit.
What Would It Feel Like?
Just a few weeks ago, our stake had Girls Camp and I went to help a couple of the evenings. For one of the activities, they had an "Iron Rod Activity". I've done this before at Camps and Conferences, but here's what happens; (If you already know, skip the next paragraph)
This typically takes place in a field or area with foliage. There is a rope that acts as the "rod," the blindfolded participant has to stay on the rod, and not be lead astray by other ropes that could be tied to the initial rope and reach their destination. Pretty easy right? Oh yeah, I forgot, there are others who are acting as "tempters" trying to get the participant off the initial rope. Either off to a false rope, or off the path entirely. There are others who act as "angels" to help the participant through the journey. Both give tips and advice, both are seemingly helping, but since the participant is blindfolded, it's hard to tell if the person helping is a tempter or angel. The tempters and angels are spread throughout the course, encouraging in ways they only know how to keep the participant on the path or encourage them off. The angel will encourage as though the participant will meet obstacles through trying to go under or around trees, stepping over boulders, and avoiding crowded areas. The angel does their best to help the participant reach their destination safely. However, the tempter is encouraging the participant with easier routes, safe zones, or even telling them they have reached the end. Neither the angel or tempter can physically touch the participant, but let them make the decision if they will listen to them--whether it be good or bad. (I hope that made sense!)
However, when I was listening on how this Iron Rod Activity would go on, there was something different. If the tempter could get the participant to reach out and take their hand, the tempter was to sit them down and away from the path.
The participant was only to sit for a few minutes until an angel would come to put them on the path again.
How hard that would be. To feel like you knew exactly what you were doing, and listening to the "right" people, only to be off the path. You're blinded, because you can't see what exactly is coming or who is influencing you.
An Ache in My Heart.
It hurt me to even think about sitting away from the Rod. From the rope. The safety that you know is there. My heart aches for those who are off the path and whether they know it or not, I hurt for them. Now not because I want them to live exactly perfectly, (because we are human--not one of us is perfect) not because I want them to live how I do, but because nobody should feel like there is a darkness or no hope in their life. Nobody should feel they are so far off in the dark from a decision they've made, that they feel there is no rescue.
A Little Light.
But the great thing is, we all mess up! I'm the worst at prioritizing, and that can sometimes lead me to be lazy or not finish everything I want to. Because I choose to not put things as they should be, I can almost lead myself to darkness. Truth is, I worry way too much about what people think about me. I don't like to admit it, but I do! I'm a people pleaser, (even it doesn't always appear that way) and I hate contention. But sometimes I tend to fall into that darkness and let those little things get to me.
But sometimes it's good to run into little patches of darkness, so we can yearn more for the glorious light. To give us more of a personal push for scripture study, and personal prayer, and just to become the best us we can be.
(If you want to know more about the Iron Rod, Mist of Darkness, or the Great and Spacious Building, check out 1 Nephi chapter 8 in the Book of Mormon.)
So Thanks Skunk.
So thank you skunk. I'm sorry you are now dead, and that I had to learn about how darkness really isn't that great, but can be made to be light. I'm sorry I didn't give you the funeral you deserved, or that I never really found out your name, but thanks for teaching me a lesson in a weird way. (Because apparently that's how I learn it--shoutout to the crow)And thank you, friend and reader, for making it this far in this blog post that may not make sense. Thanks for being you, and getting through those dark times in your life. Basically, thanks for being you.
Mostly Marissa
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