Angelina

I was scanning the jacket of a book about the Idaho Falls temple by Delbert V. Groberg last night. He was a very influential resident of Idaho Falls in the mid-to-late 1900's who served with his wife, Jennie, as President and Matron of the Idaho Falls temple from 1975 - 1980.

Apparently he was feeling a great urgency to help facilitate a temple being built in Idaho Falls back in the late '30's and early '40's. So, instead of "resting on plateaus of hopes and wishes",as he put it, he set about DOING something. As a realtor, he began acquiring land in a desirable and scenic part of town (OK, the ONLY scenic part of town)-- by the Snake River. He rolled up his sleeves and got to work. So-- whether the temple was built there because the land was available, or whether the land being available just facilitated the temple when it was announced, it's all the same. Either way, this man single handedly said, I think a temple should be there so I'm going to do my darnedest to see that it is, within my realm of ability and influence. And it happened.

WOW, what an example!

How many of us are resting on our own "plateaus of hopes and wishes" in many aspects of our lives? In the context of this web site, how many of us, myself included, are resting on our plateaus of "so-and-so neighbor or family member has such-and-such gear or food or supplies or skills, so I'll be OK"? (I'm raising my hand. Ouch.)

Hmmm. I'm certain the five wise virgins did not for a moment rest on a plateau of hopes and wishes-- hoping and wishing they could be invited to join the Bridegroom. They instead got to work and made sure within their realm of ability and influence that they were actually invited. Why? Because they qualified. Why? Because they had the oil in their lamps which they had obtained through a lifetime of righteous living and temporal obedience. Interesting that at the final moment-- the unwise virgins' attempt at influence did not work. So we must use our righteous influence while we can, while it will work, because there will come a time that no influence of any kind: persuasion, money or brute force, will save us physically, I believe, as well as spiritually. That is such a profound parable with so many layers and applications-- it deserves a book in itself!

Meanwhile, I am motivated by Brother Groberg (father of Elder John H. Groberg, BTW) to get off my hindey where I've been resting most comfortably in a cool, shady, fruitful cove on the plateau. Time to get out there in the sun, heat, bugs, and dirt and get to work. (Read this to me again when it's time to weed my garden this summer, please...) I appreciate this web site as a valuable resource in helping me not just hope and wish that I am prepared, but indeed know that I am as prepared as possible within my ability and influence.

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