Preparation

Looking back on this experience, I marvel at how I was being prepared to receive more light and knowledge as in just a few chapters I would be starting into Isaiah. It was no accident that Nephi deferred to John sending me to Revelation to finish up his vision. Where I learned new skills and was able to practice them. Where I stumbled into that section in the institute manual that has changed my perception of the scriptures.

One of the interesting things about this experience was how I learned by not following a skill. When I started Revelation, I decided since it was on a tangent that I would not write anything down. Coming back to Revelation in preparation for these last several blog posts, I noticed that I had lost most of the knowledge I had gained from reading it. I believe it was no accident that this happened because two things became very clear from this:

1. As mentioned in the Write It Down blog post, I learned to write it or lose it.
2. It was impressed upon my mind that this experience was not about the destination but about the journey. It was not about what I learned specifically from John's revelation but what I learned along the way and the skills learned that would help me in the future. I cannot help but see how this parallels this life's journey. It is not just about the the end results of this life or gaining eternal life but it is about the lessons, skills, attributes gained and who I become that matters most. Also, life's choices do not always turn out the way they were envisioned because it may not be about the end results of the choice but rather what is learned that is more significant and lasting.

In a few chapters, the time will come to really start practicing the skills learned as Nephi and Jacob start to quote Isaiah. These skills may need to be refined, expanded and added upon along the way. I am grateful for this experience and the skills that I have learned. I know the Lord is preparing the way for me, if I but follow Him.