don't be too critical of the barrier

I believe that we have a Father in Heaven who loves us and wants the very best for us. Because of this, He has created barriers to keep us safe. This point was well illustrated by Elder Von G. Keetch in his conference talk, Blessed and Happy Are Those Who Keep the Commandments.

Elder Keetch was vacationing in Australia some time ago. While he was there, he visited a bay that was famous for its surfing. During his visit, Elder Keetch marveled at big waves crashing just outside of the bay, and smaller waves that rolled into shore. He came upon a group of American surfers who were loudly voicing their disappointment at a large barrier that stretched across the mouth of the bay and dropped to the ocean floor. The barrier made it impossible for the surfers to reach the large waves. Elder Keetch and the surfers didn't know why the barrier was necessary, and the surfers felt like it was spoiling their trip. As the surfers continued to discuss the barrier, Elder Keetch noticed an older man, a local of the area, who had overheard their complaints. After some time, this local man approached the group and pulled out binoculars. Elder Keetch and each of the surfers took a turn studying the barrier with the help of the binoculars. And do you know what they saw? Sharks! There were sharks just on the other side of the barrier, feeding on the reef. Elder Keetch and the surfers were subdued. The local man turned to walk away, and as he did so, he said, "Don't be too critical of the barrier. It's the only thing that's keeping you from being devoured."

Elder Keetch said, "As we stood on that beautiful beach, our perspective had suddenly changed. A barrier that had seemed rigid and restrictive--that seemed to curtail the fun and excitement of riding the really big waves--had become something very different. With our new understanding of the danger that lurked just below the surface, the barrier now offered protection, safety, and peace."

I feel the same way about the standards God has asked me to follow. I have faith in His divine direction, and I know that because I have a very limited knowledge of the dangers, if I follow the course He has set, I will be safe.

Read, watch, or listen to the entire talk here.

p.s. I'm not sure why it took me so long to figure this out, but I've started using these Monday posts for our Family Home Evening lessons. Tonight we'll sing Keep the Commandments, and use 1 Nephi 3:7 as our scripture to ponderize for the week, if you need an idea.