What is the nature of man?

With the upcoming release of the new Hunger Games movie I was reflecting on how much of the nature of man has been portrayed in literature and film. Reflection on the Hunger Games and books like Animal Farm and Lord of the Flies has made me wonder why we portray human nature in such a way. These pieces do involve deep concepts of the nature of man and ethical questions about behavior and being, but why do we focus on the negative behavioral tendencies of man. What should be portrayed is triumph over such things. Triumph over the natural man. Each one of us here on earth has the ability to choose and it is sad to say that in history we have seen some of the most horrifying acts of that ability by those in power to exploit, harm and even kill others. In the stark contrast, there have also been those who have used this ability to lift up others, fight for rights, and blessed the lives of many. The world is really what we make of it. We can view the world as man is just out to get what he wants or man can come together for a common good; we can also choose if we want to expand or minimize such a view.

Rough Day

Think your having a rough day? So did I till I had the thought, at least I'm not a grasshopper in a
tank with a pray mantis!

The other day I went to this natural water slide in Alpine. It being somewhat out in the middle of no where there wasn't too much around it. There was though one thing that surprised me and inspired me to write this post. That is, there was a "camel crossing" sign.

At first I thought that was a little funny and maybe even a joke, but then looking behind the sign, there stood a camel. I know I make a lot of comparisons of things to life and yup, you guessed it! Here is another one.

 

We all learn how to drive at sometime in our life. This can be compared to how we all need to come to and develop fundamental truths in our lives and in the gospel. Once this is in place, in the correct way, we then can go out of life's roads and explore what's out there. We can be amazed at new discoveries, feel great wonder at the majesty and beauty of it all, and make relationships with new friends, all with out getting lost on roads we don't want to be and being able to maintain and repair any mishaps. In fact doing it in this manner allows a viewing of the world that allows us to build upon those beliefs and come closer to the Creator.

 

As we go through this life many decisions are ours to make. Everything from what cereal to eat for breakfast to what career we want to pursue. Though we have much freedom in making these decisions and sometimes they can even be a little daunting, experiencing that myself in choosing my major, the Lord doesn't just leave us helpless and stranded to find our way. He gives us road signs a long the way.

 

Some of these are like stop signs, intersection lights, or buckle up signs. These are commandments or laws our Heavenly Father has given us to keep us safe and have more severe consequences.

Others are more like yield signs, watch for falling rocks, or animal crossing signs. These are more of things that the Lord wants us to just look out for, but can have equally severe consequences.

The best drivers of life's roads, those who find the most wonder, peace, and happiness, are those that follow these signs, even if they are little strange like a camel crossing sign in the middle of Utah. So as you go through life don't just be safe, have fun, and enjoy where ever your roads take you.

Wisdom from children

This evening I had Sunday dinner at home with some of our family guests of Guatemala. They have three adorable little boys. At the dinner table the more outgoing of the boys went over to his dad and while playing with his hand and his wedding ring, was like,"Dad! You have a ring." He responded by saying, "Yes, and so does mom. Go look at hers." The little boy then going over to his mom and while admiring her to ring, she asked, "and why do you think I have a ring." After just a second of thought he said, "because you have to kiss daddy!" Though this was a cute and funny moment it did make me reflect about what love really is. The Savior commands us to love one another. So how does one do that? I heard some great wisdom from a general authority giving a talk in stake meeting on my mission. He said that any time God gives a commandment it implies there is agency. Therefore we don't just simply "fall in love," but it does indeed take work. Many relationships take effort, forgiveness, patience,and a whole lot of work. So wether you are needing to to forgive someone or just tell someone that you love them, get out and do it! We only have so much time here to have and build these relationships.