A Trip to the Moon and Back
Two of the most important sources for sharpening our “eyes to see and our ears to hear” are scripture study and prayer. Here is an interesting and thought- provoking analogy that helps us see the importance of the scriptures, coupled with prayer:
Let us suppose that the modern day Prophet commissioned a “Trip to the Moon” for selected youth of high school age. He said, “We are aware of the risks involved with this trip, but do want to showcase to the world the marvelous youth of our Church.” Pretend that you are part of that group.
So, our candidates are selected and trained and the day of lift-off has arrived. One student has been selected as pilot and another as co-pilot; others, likewise have their assignments. The eyes of the world are on these youth as the departure is successful and they are landed on the moon.
If you were among this group, what would you find interesting to do on the moon? In times past, one of our astronauts took a golf ball to see how far he could throw it.
Wouldn’t it be fun to set up a trampoline and do all sorts of jumping skills? Perhaps another would like to find those moon cars and see if they could be started. What fun it would be to explore and even “drag race” on the moon. No matter what fun you could have on the moon, is there any of you who would care to take up permanent residence there?
As our thoughts turn to home, again, let us suppose that all are safely aboard the spacecraft, except one. He wants to jump on the trampoline some more! What would be his consequence if he refused to return with the rest of you?
Because we love him and desire his safety, we are finally able to convince him that the crowded confines of our spacecraft are better than staying on the moon.
This is where it really gets interesting. Our pilot turns to his co-pilot and says: “Do you remember our agreement?” With a blank look, the co-pilot says: “What agreement?” Our pilot reminds him: “I promised to get us up here safely and you promised to get us home safely!”
Here we are, on the moon, pilot and co-pilot, not knowing how to get us back safely to earth!
What would you do? What are our options? We cannot stay much longer; we are running out of oxygen and death is our fate unless we can get off the moon. Is there anyone who knows how to get us home safely?
Fortunately there is. Remember, we have a resource on earth at the space center. Perhaps it would be a good idea to “radio home” and ask for help! We make that contact and are told that there is a “Manual of Instructions” on board the spacecraft. It is in the bookcase and is called: “How to Pilot Spacecraft.”
Eagerly, our co-pilot reaches for the manual. He begins reading and soon throws it aside, saying: “This is too complicated, I just don’t understand it.” Are you going to let him get away with that answer? It may be complicated, but can we work together for understanding? Should we “radio home” again?
Pick which excuse you would accept for not reading and understanding the Manual.”
1. I don’t want to read it.
2. I can’t read.
3. It’s so boring.
4. I’d rather watch t.v.
As you know, time is moving on and the consequences of not reading and understanding and then applying the knowledge you learn will save your life. Death is the consequence for not being obedient and faithful to those instructions, whether from “radio communication” or from the Manual of Instructions, or a combination of both. None of the excuses, or any that I can think of will accomplish what needs to be done. We need action, not excuses!
Well, in this case, we do make it safely home. Thanks for a willing and obedient crew who were willing to follow the manual of instructions, make necessary course corrections as directed by our support group.
That was only make-believe of course, but did you know that you really are on a Space Mission? A number of years ago, you began this mission when you came to Earth, through the process called “Birth.” Here you are on a planet that revolves around a sun that is the source of light and life to this sphere. Earth is not your permanent home. You were sent here by a loving Heavenly Father to gain earthly experience, to gain a physical body, and to prove yourself.
He loves you. He wants you to return and has given you “Manuals of Instruction.” We call these manuals– Scriptures. In them, we learn about our Heavenly Father and how he wants us to live, so we can return to Him, being like Him.
He also has given us parents, teachers, apostles and prophets, and others; to guide and instruct us properly. We can “radio home” through this process called prayer when we need strength and guidance in this mortal journey.
Our Father wants us to be successful and return home with honor. He gives us the light of His “Son” to help us.
When was the last time you studied the “Manuals of Instruction?”
And what about this “radio set” we call prayer. Someone once said:
This radio set called prayer,
is designed for remarkably simple repair.
When the lines fail,
there is no doubt
which half of the set is out.
We would be among the wise if we keep the lines open and use the “Manuals” often, as we complete our “Space Mission to Earth!”