Inspired Thought of Today

'Frodo, Mr. Frodo!' he called. 'Don't leave me here alone! It's your Sam calling. Don't go where I can't follow! Wake up, Mr. Frodo! O wake up, Frodo, me dear, me dear. Wake up!'

If you have read Lord of the Rings you know that at this part in the Two Towers when Sam makes this exclamation he and Frodo have already been through quite a lot. By this point they have made lots of decisions and trusted several characters in the book, each to their own level of aid or disappointment. The particular decision to trust Gollum was against Sam's better judgement, but instead of forcing Frodo to not accept help from Gollum, Sam faithfully follows, cares for, and helps Frodo to the best he can. Sam never leaves Frodo's side except for this moment when Frodo appears to go somewhere Sam cannot follow. 

When the above quote came to me today I instantly thought of my parents calling out to my brother who has made decisions that have found him in a place where they cannot follow. Then I thought about other parents who call out to their children who have gone astray. I felt an overwhelming understanding of the kind of pain and love parents feel when a child makes a decision that takes them away from their presence. Then almost just as instantly I thought of common questions people face when bad things happen to the people they love, "Why did God let this happen? Why are bad things allowed to happen to good people?" I feel inspired to testify of the importance of an eternal truth: freedom of choice. 

People good and bad are entitled to an eternal truth or a heavenly law which is the freedom to make their own choices. Take the complicated decisions we make in life and all the people we trust. Now think of children as they grow and necessarily make their own choices. Parents watch from afar as kids make their own decisions. Do we sometimes hold our breath? Instinctively reach out to help and get told they don't need help. Do we call to them only to realize they are too far away {spiritually or emotionally} to hear? Or do we even close our eyes tight when things get too scary? It's a painfully beautiful experience to be a parent, right?

Now think how it must be for Heavenly Father to deal with OUR imperfect decisions. All He asks is that we put our trust in Him, "For my yoke is easy and my burden light" (Mathew 11:30), yet how many others take His place? How often do we make decisions that lead us away from Heavenly Father's guiding hand? How often do our choices make Him cry out, "It's your Father in Heaven calling. Don't go where I can't follow!" 

God is the ultimate example of a perfect parent. He is always there for us when we call on Him, He will advise against certain choices, but always lets us make our own decisions; and regardless of how we resist, complain, or completely ignore His help - He NEVER looks away.

Freedom of choice is a beautiful blessing - remember who gave it to you and always strive to use it in a way that will find you {one day} back in Heavenly Father's out stretched arms.