It stands out to me as significant the Ammonites moved out
of their land so that the Nephite armies could move in to make war with the
Lamenites. They really sacrificed to help people who needed it. And I love that
the Nephites moved the Ammonites to a different land and defended them,
supporting them in keeping their covenant not to fight. I can see people now, I
can see myself now, saying that they were being overzealous and should defend
themselves. This is ironic because one of the reasons we gave Helaman his name
was that Helaman in the Book of Mormon was a prophet who helped people be
covenant keepers. It makes me think about my grumpy attitude about things
again. I want to be softer.
It is also important to me that Mormon says Alma and Ammon and
their crew returned to Zarahemla having been instruments in the hand of God to bring
people to repentance. It is funny how things are a matter of perspective. He didn’t
say they had returned having started a war. And really, it wasn’t their choices
that started the war, but sometimes it feels like I am responsible for other people’s
choices in ways that are paralyzing. I need to be more faithful, less fearful, and
really just focus on doing God’s work. His work will go forward, and cannot be stopped,
even by tragedies and wars and anger. Nothing else really matters.
This also means that I should not stay up late working on things
that keep my family from doing scriptures study and talking about their day and
the gospel. Nothing is more important.
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