Perspective

Perspective:

I've thought of another reason why I love aquariums. They give me a view- an, at times, breathtaking perspective that is usually unavailable to me. I have been to beaches, and swum in both the Pacific and Atlantic oceans, and I treasure the beauty of those moments. However, I don't have gills, and, please don't tell my kids, but I am very claustrophobic and never was able to make it to the bottom of the 12 foot pool in my childhood swimming class-so scuba diving is not an option. But as I walk through the aquarium it opens up to me this otherwise hidden world. Without the wonders of modern science, including Plexiglas, the only dry view of the ocean available is of the surface, which is literally that, only the surface of a complex beautiful world. We miss so much if that is the only perspective of the ocean we see.

No wonder when we see an towering aquarium exhibit, that allows us an ocean floor view, we stop and stare, point and exclaim, and take pictures in an attempt to take that feeling of discovery and increased perspective home. Which brings me to the point of these musings- the scriptures. I was thinking last night how often I feel that same wonder as I delve into the scriptures. That mind spinning broadening of perspective. How different things in life seem, how much more wondrous and full of point and purpose even mundane things seem after spending time with my Savior. After all, He tells us, "For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts." (Isaiah 55:8-9) You can't ask for a better perspective than that. And, marvelously He promises to share it with us, if we choose. As Elder Scott recently taught, "However, the Lord will not force you to learn. You must exercise your agency to authorize the Spirit to teach you." (http://lds.org/conference/talk/display/0,5232,23-1-1117-2,00.html)How to "exercise agency to authorize the Spirit to teach" me has been a big question in my life. If forced to summarize what I've learned so far- I find it so difficult to say things in few words- I would say the key is to envision yourself first and foremost as a student, with complete confidence in your instructor, at the Savior's feet. Think about what a priceless treasure it is to have the opportunity to learn from the master of all creation, a being of perfect eternal perspective, and a being who infinitely treasures and loves you. Then open the scriptures daily, even if for only a few moments, and listen. It works