Plan of Salvation and Running

When I was in my 30's and 40's, I was a runner.  I ran between 5 and 10 miles 6 days a week. Occasionally, on a Saturday, I would enter a race.

Now how is this like the Plan of Salvation?

Before a race I would prepare.  I would run, I would make sure my shoes fit and were not too worn, I would eat the right kind of food, and be rested.  These were all choices I had to make if I wanted to have a good race.

This is like before we came to earth, the preexistence.  That was the time for us to prepare to come to earth.  We were taught the things Heavenly Father wanted us to learn so that we could return to Him.  Some received more light and knowledge because they were valiant, they worked hard and prepared.  Like here on earth, we all had our agency to choose.

Finally, race day arrived.  It was exciting.  What would the race be like?  Who would be there?  Would I know anyone?  What would the course be like?  How would I do?  Had I prepared enough for the race?

I'm sure when our time had arrived to come to earth we were excited.  We shouted for joy.  We would receive our body, we would have new experiences, and would make our own choices.  Had we prepared ourselves for what was ahead?

During the race, I would put forth my best effort.  The course was set and marked.  All I had to do was stay true to the course and look ahead for obstacles that could create a hazard.

The Straight and Narrow Path

Some of the racers would run with their heads down not realizing the dangers ahead.  They would stumble and fall. Others would be tempted to look to the right or left and see people having fun and would slow down or join them.

At times, I would feel like quitting, I was tired, or thirsty, or hurting.  But, I knew what I needed to do.  Once in awhile, I would see someone struggling to finish the race.  I could offer a word of of encouragement.  I knew I had to finish the race and wanted the same for the other runners.

That is like life.  We know the course we need to take.  Jesus Christ set a perfect example for us to follow.  We need to follow the commandments and the teachings of the Prophets.  We must not be enticed by things of the world that can prevent us from returning to our Heavenly Father.  We will have trials and feel like giving up.  The course is straight and narrow, but we can have the Holy Ghost to be with us and to guide us.

Upon completing the race, I would learn how I did.  Would I be happy or disappointed?  There was no going back to do it again if I wasn't pleased with my time.  My chance was over.

Like this, life is our chance....our only chance.  There is no "do over."  The reward is the greatest gift we can receive from our Heavenly Father....to live with Him again.