The Gospel Blesses Our Lives

Reading through Lehi's last message to his children at the beginning of 2 Nephi made me think of a story that Thomas S. Monson shared:

"In the 1960s, during the Vietnam War, Church member Jay Hess, an airman, was shot down over North Vietnam. For two years his family had no idea whether he was dead or alive. His captors in Hanoi eventually allowed him to write home but limited his message to less than 25 words. What would you and I say to our families if we were in the same situation—not having seen them for over two years and not knowing if we would ever see them again? Wanting to provide something his family could recognize as having come from him and also wanting to give them valuable counsel, Brother Hess wrote—and I quote: “These things are important: temple marriage, mission, college. Press on, set goals, write history, take pictures twice a year.”" ("Finding Joy in the Journey")

When a man is saying what he thinks may be the last thing that he may share we believe that he tends to avoid wasting words and sharing what will be most valuable to those he is speaking to. In the cases of Lehi and Jay Hess the most valuable thing that they felt that they could share with their families was the importance of the Gospel. 

The Gospel of Jesus Christ blesses the lives who follow it. Nephi describes the life of his people while they were following the Gospel as living "after the manner of happiness." (2 Nephi 5: 27) King Benjamin, in his final words to his people said:"And moreover, I would desire that ye should consider on the blessed and happy state of those that keep the commandments of God. For behold, they are blessed in all things, both temporal and spiritual; and if they hold out faithful to the end they are received into heaven, that thereby they may dwell with God in a state of never-ending happiness. O remember, remember that these things are true; for the Lord God hath spoken it." (Mosiah 2:41)

In case anyone was worried, here is Jay Hess returning home.

 In my own life the Gospel has given me greater direction and purpose. It has helped me to enjoy the peace that comes from knowing that I what the Lord would have me do.