The Phoenix has long been presented as a symbol of rebirth, immortality, and renewal. In short, it is a mythical bird, which dies, and is reborn from its own ashes, and then soars again in triumph. He is a large swan-sized scarlet bird with red and gold plumage, along with a golden beak and talons, black eyes, and a tail as long as a peacock. Its scarlet feathers glow faintly in darkness, while its golden tail feathers are hot to the touch. Phoenixes are known for nesting on the highest mountain peaks much like eagles.
And so I feel privileged to be reborn from the ashes. The Lord humbles us if we need it, even until we are in "sackcloth and ashes." He then allows us to be reborn in Him, if we'll let him build us back up with faith in Him. He takes our weaknesses, and converts them into strengths. "A good man obtaineth favour of the Lord... [for] the root of the righteous shall not be moved" (Proverbs 12:2,3) Never in my life have I been so happy as I am right now. I recently moved from the safeharbor of some wonderful friends (Thomas, Ben, and Dallas) into a situation that I felt deep down like I needed to move into, but didn't know why. I faithfully followed the guidance of the Spirit on this one... and I've been blessed. I moved in with Logan Webber and Adam Thomas. Logan is getting ready to serve a mission, and just submitted his papers. Adam just arrived from a mission, and is now getting ready to go to school. Looking back in my life, the stages of life they are living through were truly the happiest (excluding my own mission of course) in my life. I enjoy seeing Logan's enthusiasm for the Gospel, and it invigorates me to see him doing all he can to prepare. Adam's enthusiasm for life is very contagious."Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge... a man shall be commended according to his wisdom; but he that is of a perverse heart shall be despised." (Proverbs 12:1,8)
So at times we find ourselves behind in life. At times we feel like we can practically throw experiences or certain things down the toilet, because they were directed at things that we aren't deeply passionate about, and riding the waves of what we think is easy, when in reality, it is more difficult because our heart isn't there.
Quick recap of this week's Jazz's game vs the Heat, and then I'll relate it to my life. The Jazz fell behind 22 points to the NBA's Hyped Heat squad. It seemed like they should just roll over and die. LeBron was on his way to a triple-double, the free-throw disparity was horrific, and D-Wade was en route to 39 points. Yet, there was a warrior on the Jazz's side, who didn't let discouragement get the best of him, but rather used the tribulation as a trampoline into the spotlight. Millsap finished the night with 46 points, including a blazing 11 points in the last 28 seconds of regulation. Although the Jazz fell behind, that deep fighting belief and character of one player earned them an overtime win against all odds. So I fell behind, but clearly its not too late to make it back. "Be humble, or be Humiliated,"
a quote visible in the Brimhall Building on BYU's campus. After being nourished in humiliation in the Lord's nest of repentance (having "shubed"), I have now been nudged off the proverbial cliff, and He trusts me to fly and make the decisions that will again benefit my life, because it is now directed at Him, and not worldly sights, but what He sees. Why be cooped up with the chickens, when I can soar with the eagles? No more need I peck around with the chickens. He can give me the lift under my wings to succeed in life. I can still make up my 22-point deficit, even if it requires overtime!
Elder M. Russell Ballard gave a great discourse this past Sunday on the simplicity of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I was pleased to be able to answer his gauging questions in a positive way. He warned against the adversary's Fake Flies that are used to deceive, although they might appear to be appeasing (in reference to fly-fishing). He counseled to be anchored in the Lord, so that we might not drift. Fitting counsel for me in my life. Although it be cold outside, I feel warm in the arms of the Gospel, and as Thanksgiving and Christmas approximate, I feel that special warmth in remembering My Savior, and being grateful for Him in my life, as well as the opportunities He has given me to serve others. A good summary of my feelings is from a techno mix by Armin Van Buuren and Adam Young titled "Youtopia" or in Mormon terms, Zion: I can feel you in the raising tide
Can you feel me by the fire side
From the moonlight
Through the cherry trees
Open the roof and take in the view
Cuz you’re my sweetest dream
Come true
Colour the dusk, deep navy blue
And try to be brave
Cause I’ll be right beside you
There’s a world so high
Hold out your hands
And you can go anywhere
So reach for the stars
Cause I’ll be waiting up there
And you can finally fly
Cause you’ll be lighter than air
Colour the dusk, deep navy blue
And try to be brave
Cause I’ll be right beside you
There’s a world so high
Hold out your hands
And you can go anywhere
So reach for the stars
Cause I’ll be waiting up there
And you can finally fly
Cause you’ll be lighter than air!
So I return to my Utopia, being lighter than air, soaring with His sights in the forefront of my intentions, and being strengthened, in contrast to being discouraged, inThe Comeback!
