So much went (and still is going) through my mind about the church history tour we took. One feeling is excitement. It is exciting to belong to the true church of Jesus Christ! It was exciting to see where the members were and where so many important things took place. It was also exciting to see all the missionaries, mostly senior missionaries, in action in Nauvoo and other places. One missionary jokingly told me that missionaries shouldn’t be able to have as much fun as they are having. In Nauvoo, they do the tours of all the buildings, show people how to make bricks, horse shoes and many other things. Then at night, they perform in different shows. We saw all the shows and there were so many very talented people. There are also families who perform in the pageant and young single adults who perform in shows every night all summer.
Another feeling is gratefulness. I am so grateful for everything I have. And I am grateful for having all the conveniences of life that people didn’t have even 100 years ago. I am grateful that I live on the earth now. But I am also grateful for all the members of the church who sacrificed to much so that we can have the gospel in our day. I am grateful for the example they set. I am grateful for the excitement they felt and for their willingness to follow the prophet. I am grateful for Joseph Smith for what he did and what he went through. And for all other leaders who stayed faithful.
I was also so impressed with our tour guides and many others who knew so much and were so willing to share. I learned a lot. We had other very knowledgeable people at the different sites who were amazing. Some were not of our faith, and they were great. They had done lots of research and were so willing to share.
I realize more than ever how material things can get in our way. Most people who fell away or stayed behind did so because of greed, money, selfishness or not being able to let go of things. And then I wonder where I stand. Would I be willing to give everything up for the Lord and His kingdom? And would I do it without complaining? What really is important in life? Logically thinking, it doesn’t matter what kind of a house you live in, what car you drive, what clothes you wear etc. The only things that really matter is our relationship with our Heavenly Father. If that is good, then our relationship with others will be good, too. And material things won’t mean that much, either. If the pioneers could be happy in a wagon, a dug-out home or even walking day after day, we have nothing to complain about. (I am sure they complained at times. It must have been very hard.)
I loved the beauty and serenity of some of the places we visited, such as Adam-ondi-Ahman. I could feel a great spirit of peace there. I also felt that peace at some of the cemeteries we visited and other places where the Saints had lived. I love the Nauvoo temple. It is beautiful both on the inside and the outside.
I am sure I will write more but I am too tired right now. Good night!
