Two of my Granddaughters just returned from a vacation to Europe. One of these precious girls had previously lived in Germany during her Air Force years. She had always wanted her younger sister to experience Europe as well. She planned and prepared to save enough money so both of them could travel there for a two-week vacation. It was a surprise gift for the younger sister.
How would you like to have an experience like that? If I could arrange a vacation for you and for your family and friends, would you be interested?
Suppose I had a benefactor who wanted to give you that blessing and he would pay for all of it, including personal expenses for gifts you wanted to purchase while on vacation. Would you be willing to invite others to go with you so their lives could be blessed too?
In order to qualify for this paid vacation, you would be expected to abide by a few rules:
- Our benefactor would like you to express gratitude for his bounteous gift. Everyday!
- He would like to hear from you either by text, e-mail or telephone.
- You agree not to use rudeness, crudeness or otherwise bad behavior that would reflect a poor image of yourself or your benefactor.
- You further agree that you would strive to eliminate selfishness and work for the good of the entire group you are with. You would strive to have good feelings toward them and be willing to serve.
That’s it, not a lot of rules, but just good, courteous actions that will contribute to the happiness and enjoyment of all in you group and those you meet during your vacation.
Think of all the fun you could have and the friendships that could be strengthened. The only thing that could mar the happiness could be sickness, injury or accident. Hopefully all would have a wonderful time and none of the above-mentioned calamities would occur, but that cannot be guaranteed on this dream vacation.
My friend, I wish I knew of a benefactor who would give you this much anticipated vacation. I do not, but I know of a better plan – a much better plan! Fortunately, we have a Father who loves us very much. We lived with him a long time ago. He unselfishly wants for us to have all that He now enjoys and prepared a plan. Sometimes it is called the “Plan of Happiness.”
Heavenly Father’s Plan of Happiness included sending us away from Him for a time. It would be a school where we could learn to become like Him. Our Spirit would be clothed with a physical body. We would have those to help us on this journey. These would include, parents, grandparents, teachers, leaders and prophets. We would also have access to our Father’s written words, called scriptures, to guide us. Most importantly: He would send His Only Begotten Son to provide repentance and forgiveness for our sins and mistakes.
In addition to obtaining a physical body, we would also know that it is a time of proving ourselves worthy to return to His presence. It would be a test of sorts, which would give us the opportunity to learn gratitude and obedience. We would learn that there are rules by which we should live.
Not unlike the dream vacation, we would be expected to live in gratitude for the blessings our Heavenly Father gives us. He is unselfish, we should be too. He forgives us; we should forgive others. He is kind and loving, we should be likewise.
Jesus taught us that there are two main rules: (1) Love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, mind and soul and (2) love thy neighbor as thyself (see Matt. 22:37-39).
John teaches us that when we love the Lord we will strive to become like him (1 John 3:2).
Elder Dieter Uchtdorf said, True disciples of Jesus Christ love God and His children without expectation of something in return. We love those who disappoint us, who don’t like us—even those who ridicule, abuse, and seek to hurt us.
When you fill your hearts with the pure love of Christ, you leave no room for rancor, judgment, and shaming. You keep God’s commandments because you love Him. In the process, you slowly become more Christlike in your thoughts and deeds (Conference Report, Oct. 2019)
Concerning the joy that comes to those who love the Lord, Paul wrote: But as it is written, aEye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath bprepared for them that love him (1 Corinthians 2:9).
What would it be worth to live with Heavenly Father again? He wants us to return to Him clothed with glory. He has revealed to us what brings Him joy: For behold, this is my work and my glory– to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man (Pearl of Great Price, Moses 1:39).
He sent His Son to show us the way to return home to Him. Let us be faithful in following His Plan of Happiness and reap the rewards He bestows upon His faithful sons and daughters.
Merlin Frei
p.s. see also: ComeuntoChrist.org