The Great & Spacious Building

Tonight I had an interesting experience and a wonderful reminder about the importance of having the spirit with you at all times. I have a deeper understanding for Lehi's dream, "And great was the multitude that did enter into that strange building" (1 Ne. 8:33).

I was conversing with a recent convert and needed to say something to her, but I couldn't think nor hear what the Spirit needed to say to her. In attempt to find the spirit to talk to her I briefly left, but the music penetrated my thoughts. The thought then came, "You need to leave." And it wasn't the first time it had come to me...

I'm not sure those around me quote understood why, nor were they very pleased with me. Like the people who walk the path in Lehi's dream, I press forward paying no attention to those who mock in misunderstanding because I know what my end result is I seek. Oftentimes I want to stay in the building because that's "where everyone is." But I know that is only temporary gratification, and having the spirit with me is much more important than any of the junk in the building.

Just today I was told I wasn't invited to a party because it isn't a place where I would want to be. I am thankful people recognize where I stand and I don't have to worry about taking myself out of awkward situations. But there are times where Satan works like the mists of darkness.

I can't imagine that anyone walking along the rod of iron blatantly left and said, "I'll go check out that HUGE black cloud over there! It looks like so much fun!" Nope... People leave the rod thinking their guide isn't far away and then "there arose a mist of darkness; yea, even an exceedingly great mist of darkness, insomuch that they who had commenced in the path did lose their way, that they wandered off and were lost" (1 Ne. 8:23).

So often my talents are affected by what's around me. I remember my first show I shot in a bar. It wasn't too bad because there were some great bands playing an no DJ. When I went back a second time there was some kind of intermission thing and it was F-word this, and F-word that. I had to get out and my photos totally sucked it up that night. As it was with last night, I wasn't able to be productive and I had to leave so I could feel at peace again.

Effective talents + need for spirit = success and more talents!