The Tree of Life

Recently we were reading the Book of Mormon, specifically Nephi 8 about Lehi's vision of the tree of life. We compared it to Nephi's vision in chapter 11. Wayne asked us to each share one thing that came to mind while we reading. {I was happy that all comments were on topic -- you never know!}

Thomas' insight was particularly thoughtful.... "I thought of the fruit as the gospel. I wondered if the people who left the tree after eating the fruit just didn't sink their teeth into it enough and didn't really take it in." {At this point Thomas was doing an impressive visual of devouring an imaginary apple and savoring it.} Wayne and I both sat there taking in this great analogy. I thought, "Do I really savor the gospel?" We both told Thomas that once again, we found new insight reading the Book of Mormon, even though we've read these chapters more times than we can count. In relating it to his life, Thomas said, "I want to live by the tree of life. I want to really take the fruit into my soul."

Me too.

I know that when I am casual in living the gospel, I miss out on the joy that comes from really digging in. There's sacrifice, heartbreak, difficult lessons, and a lot of humility involved, but nothing compares to the joy of deeply feeling the Lord's love in my life & witnessing that love in the lives of others as well.

Note: Both images are from the downloadable Gospel Art Book found HERE.