Our family had a vacation and drove to southeastern Utah to do some hiking and spend some family time together. We decided to spend a day hiking two slot canyons known as the Spooky and Peek-a-boo Gulch. The names of these canyons should have been enough to let me know what I was in for, but our children convinced Elder Johnson and I that it would be worth it and that we could do it. The description of the slot canyons suggested that we would see very unique and colorful rock formations. The description also suggested that Peek-a-boo Canyon would have several sections of challenging rock scrambling and a 12-foot climb to enter the canyon. It further said that Spooky Canyon at some points along the trail would narrow to only 10 inches wide and included in the description was a warning that said Spooky was more suited for smaller body types.
These descriptions proved true as we scrambled over, under and around rocks. We navigated through Peek-a-boo and then located Spooky Canyon. We headed down into the entrance of Spooky Gulch and started to descend quickly. At one point, we had to descend down a 10-foot drop to continue on the way. As we struggled to climb down this narrow portion of the canyon, we had to lean on each other and at one point my son had to catch me as I slid down the canyon wall. Often in this adventure I questioned, “Is this the right way?” or “This cannot be right?” The only reassurance that we were going the right way was the footprints left in the dirt. Others had gone before us.
Just as in life, others have gone before and showed us the way to follow. The Savior is the one who has gone before. In John 14:6 it reads, “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”[1] In 1 Nephi 17:13, we learn that He is our light in the wilderness, and He prepares the way before us; He leads us toward the Promised Land.[2] The footprints ensured us that we were heading the right way in the canyon and reminded me of the footprints I have that guide, reassure, and help to light my way through the obstacles of life. Footprints are tools that help us to follow the Savior and allow us to “hear Him.” For me, these footprints are the holy scriptures especially the Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ, living prophets and apostles, and the Holy Ghost.
During this time of your life you may feel a lot of uncertainty and often question whether you are going the right way. This might include concerns about grades, majors, careers and a variety of other issues. You may also be concerned about how to navigate your various obstacles. When these questions arise, remember who went before you and how to follow Him. Our prophet, President Russel M. Nelson, declared that “our Father knows that when we are surrounded by uncertainty and fear, what will help us the very most is to hear His Son. Because when we seek to hear—truly hear—His Son, we will be guided to know what to do in any circumstance.”[3]
When we seek to hear our Savior and come to know how he speaks to us, we begin to feel the reassurance that we are following His path and feel the peace that we are going the right way. We are children of a loving Father in Heaven who sent His Son to show us the way. Jesus Christ is the way, the truth, and the life, and He is our Savior and Redeemer. The Book of Mormon is the word of God, an ancient record of scripture translated by Joseph Smith, a prophet of God. President Nelson is our prophet today and I am thankful for those who have gone before and showed us the way to follow. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
Notes
[1]. See John 14:6.
[2]. See 1 Nephi 17:13.
[3]. Russell M. Nelson, “Hear Him,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2020, 88–92.